Mr. Merle E. Davis

Merle Emory Davis was born in Hillrose, CO to James Garfield Davis and Marie Janice Basse on March 20, 1923. Merle peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at the inspiring age of 93 years old.

Merle met his lifelong sweetheart, Phyllis Jean Holroyd, in a roller skating rink in 1941. They were married in a simple service on December 3, 1942, in Fort Collins, CO. They remained devoted partners for almost 67 years until Phyllis' passing in 2009. It brings us comfort to know that they are together once again.

Merle was drafted into the United States Army and served as a medic during World War II. He was called back to military action a few years later and served as a mechanic in the Korean Conflict.

Merle and his brother, Lynn, moved to California in the 1950's, and ultimately created Davis Windmachines. They also ran a successful fig shaking business that benefitted many farmers in the Fresno area.

Merle had a knack for working with his hands and could build, design or fix just about anything. Merle was an avid photographer and also a lifelong member of the Fresno Numismatic Society. He and Phyllis also made quite a name for themselves while participating as a Central Valley Rhombusmen Ralley Team in the 1960's. Merle's sense of humor, his curiosity for life and his ability to maintain an active lifestyle into his 90's was an inspiration to his whole family.

One of the most valuable gifts Merle leaves his family is an autobiography that contains an amazingly detailed recap of his life. It took him more than a decade to draft this memoir and it is now a priceless treasure to his family.

Merle leaves behind his sons, Gary Davis of Fresno, and Randal Davis and his wife Tami of Yuba City, CA; daughter-in-law, Mary Davis of Fresno; grandchildren, Jenni Villane and her husband Paul, Sara Nance and her husband Dale of Fresno, and Laurie Porter of Yuba City, CA. Merle was a proud great-grandfather to six children, Julia and A.J. Villane, Aaron and Allison Nance, and Alexandria and Vance Porter. Merle also leaves behind many loving family members in Fresno and across the country. He will be missed by all.

A Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Monday, April 11, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.