Donald Douglas Davis

He was born May 16, 1939, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Robert S. and Myrtle L. (McComb) Davis. Don graduated from Avondale High School in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He then graduated from University of Michigan–Flint in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Don married Marjorie Gingrich on September 10, 1960, in Auburn Hills, Michigan; this union was blessed with three children.

Don began his career as a summer camp counselor in Port Huron, Michigan in 1957, supervising kids at the local YMCA and at Camp Agawam on Lake Huron. While earning his degree at UM-Flint he worked part time at a Y in Flint. After graduating, he joined the Y full time in Flint as Youth Director. He accepted an Executive Director position in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Elm Grove branch. In 1969, he accepted an Executive Director position at the Kansas City, Missouri Clay-Platte Y. From 1979 to 1995, he was Executive Director at the Y in Decatur, Illinois. After retirement, Don and Marge moved to their home on Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, Missouri. They returned to Kansas City, Missouri in 2001.

Don enjoyed woodworking, working outdoors, boating, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Don dedicated his life to serving others with kindness and selflessness. He spent countless hours volunteering and supporting his community, especially through his work with the church and the YMCA.

Don believed in giving back and led by example, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert S. and Myrtle L. Davis.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie Davis; his children, Denise (John) Krimmel of Marietta, Georgia; Cheryl Toby of Kansas City, Missouri; Craig (Katherine) Davis of Greensboro, North Carolina; his brother, Reverend Robert (Sue) Davis of Boyne Falls, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Casey (Brandon) Dhande, Kimberly (Cody) Bowling, Nicholas Toby, Benjamin (Patricia Mulligan) Toby, Chelsea (Hannah Wolfe) Davis, Rachel Davis, Matthew Davis; four great grandchildren, Cora and Lilian Dhande, Huntleigh and Lennon Bowling; and loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank caregivers at Galway Homes of Kansas City, North Kansas City Hospital, and NorthCare Hospice House.

Visitation services for Don will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri, 64119. Memorial services will begin at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to Liberty United Methodist Church, YMCA of the USA - World Service, or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.