Obituary of Eugene Davis

Eugene (Gene) Griffith Davis, a long time Kit Carson County, Colorado rancher and farmer was born on January 15, 1934 to William A. and Jessie (Shaw) Davis, the youngest of two siblings, Billy and Jack. He passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Presbyterian-St. Luke Hospital in Denver at the age of 77 with his family beside him. After Gene was born in Denver, his parents returned to live in their home in Goodland, Kansas where his father owned and operated the Ford Garage. In 1941 they had a house in Burlington, Colorado moved to a farm in Goodland at the far edge of what is now 8th Street. So Gene grew up on the family farm and around the Ford Garage. Gene attended Goodland schools and graduated from Goodland High School with the class of 1952. The same year Gene married his fellow classmate and sweetheart, Evelyn Lohr who was also raised in the Kanorado and Goodland communities. Their first home was in Laramie, Wyoming where Gene was attending the University of Wyoming. They later moved to the farm north of Peconic, Colorado where Gene’s maternal grandparents, Samual and Cora Shaw, homesteaded; and where his grandfather raised mules for the United States Army. The trail is still evident in a pasture where the mules were herded to the train depot in Goodland, Kansas. The one room prairie school house was ¼ mile away from the homestead, (the foundation is still visible at the corner of Road 55 and Road AA), and the school teacher boarded with the Shaw family. Gene and Evelyn had three children. Judith (Judy) M. , Donald Griffith, and M. Janie. Judy passed away in 2001. Gene, his father, William A. and brothers, Billy and Jack Davis were compatible partners in many business ventures in farming and ranching. Gene was in charge of the Colorado farming and ranching enterprises. These enterprises evolved into a partnership with Gene’s son, Donnie Davis. Gene’s heritage was that of two pioneer families, Davis and Shaw, who came to Kit Carson County Colorado over 100 years ago. They were farmers, ranchers, and businessmen, and Gene followed in the footsteps of his ancestors. Gene was a member of both the Colorado and Kit Carson Cattlemen’s Association and the Goodland Elks Lodge. Through the years, Gene developed his own unique style. He came to be known for his big brimmed western hat, his bolo ties, and a penchant for quality cowboys boots. A “good steak” or prime rib was always his preference at the dinner table. He could NEVER be convinced to eat chicken. Gene had a passion for the CU Buffalo football games. He held season tickets for many years and attended nearly every game. He was a proud Burlington Cougar Card holder and attended sports events of all kinds. These events held the same interest even after his kids and grandkids had participated and graduated. Gene was a Shopper! He enjoyed searching for special items of many and varied kinds, and his family were the recipients of his generous, thoughtful gifts over the years. Next to his home, Gene’s favorite place in later years was his Pick-Up. Whether driving alone, with Evelyn and their dog, Gunner, a family member or friend, Gene never seemed to be in a hurry, often spending hours driving through back-roads, fields, and pastures at a very slow speed. Gene was the love of his family. His interest in their welfare and activities was priceless. And finally, it was his unconditional love, NO matter the circumstance, that endeared him so deeply to his wife, his children and grandchildren. Those preceding Gene in death were his daughter Judy Davis Wagoner, his parents Bill and Jessie Davis, his brother Billy and wife Evelyn D., and brother Jack, and his Aunt Minta (Claude) Shaw Coleman. Those surviving relatives are his wife Evelyn of 59 years; son Donnie (Debbie) Davis of Burlington and daughter Janie (David) Eves of Littleton. Four grandsons; Jason Davis and Tyler (Amanda) Davis; Josh and Jesse Eves. Three granddaughters; Summer Davis (Keith) Jewsbury; Heather Wagoner (Ron) Fix; and Nicole Wagoner (Luis) Martinez; four great grandchildren; two nieces, Cheryl Davis Schremmer and Jessica Davis Cole; sister-in-law, Wilma Davis, and Mildred Lohr Gutsch, an extra special relative.