Robert J. Davis

Robert Jay Davis (aka: Bob, Bobby Jay, R.J., & Bobby D), 74, of Westville, passed away at 12:28pm, Sunday, October 28, 2018, at the VA Illiana Health Care System, Danville, after fighting for years a rare "one-in-a-million" disease known as Stiff Person Syndrome, that was diagnosed in 2014 at Cleveland Clinic. Bob was born to Jay and Ora {Martin} Davis on January 1, 1944 in Mattoon, IL. He lived in Lerna, IL, until his family moved to Westville in 1950. He married Donna S. Gerard at Trinity United Church of Christ, Westville on May 21, 1977 and created many memories for over 41 years. She survives. He is also survived by: two sons, whom he loved and was so proud of, Justin J. (Michelle) Davis of Westville and Lance M. Davis (significant other, Kristen Mitchell) of Westville; his two grandsons, Hayden J. and Drew M. Davis, whom he loved and cherished; his siblings, Jerry (Sue) Davis of Danville and Randy (Cindy) Davis of Westville; his sister-in-law, Joyce Davis of New Lenox, IL; his several nieces, nephews, and many other extended family. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, John "Michael" Davis of New Lenox, IL; his sister & brother-in-law, Sue (Chuck) Ryan of Decatur, IL; his sister & brother-in-law, Rose Marie (Bill) Osborn of Decatur, IL; and his close friend, Mike Ruper. Bob graduated from Westville High School in 1962 and was known for being an outstanding athlete, especially in basketball. He attended Eastern Illinois University until taking a summer job on the C&EI Railroad in 1963 and continued working on the railroad until he retired in 2003 after 40 years from CSX Railroad as a conductor. His last trip on the railroad was March 18, 2003 Bob was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served his Country in the Vietnam War from April 8, 1968 to December 23, 1969. He served in the Army attached to the Navy as part of the Mobile Riverine Forces, 9th Infantry Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, Charlie Co. 3rd Platoon until he was shot and wounded in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. He was awarded 3 Purple Hearts, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. On September 26, 2016, he traveled with the Greater Lafayette Honor Flight to Washington. D.C. and finally received the "Hero's Welcome" he so deserved as a Vietnam War Veteran. It was an experience he said he'd remember the rest of his life. Bob was a member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and Sportsman's Club. He attended Trinity United Church of Christ when he was younger with his family. Bob loved boating, fishing, trapshooting, playing poker, sports, and vacationing with family and friends. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and was fortunate to see them win the World Series during his lifetime. He was also an Illini fan. Bob's true joy was watching his son's and grandson's games throughout the years and attended every game that he possibly could until his health prevented him from doing so, but always expected a call afterwards with full details. Bob and Donna also looked forward to hosting family events & holidays at their house every year, especially the 4th of July and Christmas Eve which was a family tradition. Bob was an emotional kind of man who loved and cherished all his family. He also had many close friends who meant so much to him. But then there was the ornery side of Bob that liked to repeat jokes to get a rise out of people. He will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to extend a special thanks for all the care and compassion provided by: Dr. Wilson and his staff at Cleveland Clinic; all staff involved in his care at the VA Illiana Health Care System; Carle Foundation Hospital Plasma Exchange & Expanded Care staff in Champaign; Dr. Vasireddy's staff in Danville & Champaign; and Dr. Labayog and OSF staff in Danville. A celebration of Bob's life will be at 10:00am, Friday, November 2, 2018, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, 414 S. State St., Westville, with Pastor Kiley Garrison officiating. Visitation will be 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Danville National Cemetery with Military honors conducted by American Legion Post #51. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Bob's name to Greater Lafayette Honor Flight. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Nov 1, 2018 Thursday, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel 414 S. State Street Westville, IL 61883 Celebration of Life Nov 2, 2018 Friday, 10:00 AM Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel 414 S. State Street Westville, IL 61883 Final Resting Place Danville National Cemetery 1900 E. Main Street Danville, Illinois 61832

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