Gerald "Joe" Dean Davis

Gerald “Joe” Dean Davis passed away peacefully, surrounded in love by his family, on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019. Joe was born in Burke, South Dakota on April 21st, 1934 to Joe and Nella Mae Davis. Joe was the first of eight children, and a wonderful older brother to his siblings. He married the love of his life, Arlene Horst, on November 26th, 1953 in Herrick, South Dakota. Joe and Arlene had four children, Linda (Mike) Bruno, Larry (Carol) Davis, Lori (Rick) Utecht, and Lisa (Rick) Abercrombie. Joe and Arlene moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1956 where Joe started his career with Firestone. He was a hard worker and was a manager with Firestone for 28 years. Joe and Arlene relocated to Arvada, Colorado in 1967, where they lived happily for the next 53 years. Joe and Arlene went on to have 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Joe and Arlene recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Joe was also a family man. Affectionately called “Papa Joe”, he was always in attendance for his children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s birthday parties, sporting events, school plays, graduations, and anything else he could attend. He had a genuine love for his family. Everyone that knew him will miss hearing him whistle, laughing with him, enjoying his wonderful sense of humor, teasing, and jokes. Papa Joe’s family will always remember his love of Oreo’s, chocolate, ice cream, and Tang. Joe was a friend to everyone he met and never hesitated to strike up a conversation with a stranger or help anyone in need. He was so loved by many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.