Kenneth William Davis

Kenneth W. Davis, known affectionately as Ken to his friends and family, passed away in his home on March 9, 2024, at age 78. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Annette (Nee: LaRocca) Davis, their daughter Jennifer "Jen" Davis, sister Alice Miller, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.  

Born on December 16, 1945, in Berkley, Michigan, Ken was the youngest son of John and Catherine Davis. Ken's love of sports (particularly hockey) began early: watching his much-loved Detroit Red Wings on TV and skating and shooting the puck with his neighborhood buddies.  

There truly weren't many sports that Ken didn't enjoy playing; street Whiffle ball (followed by trips to the neighborhood hangout, "The Shack"), bowling, golf (especially The Shack Invitational), baseball, football, hockey,  Ken loved them all. He was an avid follower of all Detroit Teams: the afore-mentioned Wings, Tigers, and Lions.  This passion for all sports bubbled over into his adult life, with Ken becoming an enthusiastic sport memorabilia collector and trader. Few could visit Ken and Annette's home without finding Ken in "The Card Room" where he housed his collection. He prided himself on his vast knowledge of the hobby and was happy to help friends and family who shared this passion add to their own collections. 

Like many Michiganders, Ken enjoyed hunting for whitetail deer up north. He spent a fair number of mid-to-late November days in the woods with his brother Roger, his nephews, and friends. It wasn't as much the "thrill of the hunt' that Ken enjoyed. He found the beauty and grace of deer to be a peaceful presence. In truth, Ken also liked to sleep in. There weren't many deer out and about by the time he rolled out of bed, put on his gear, and headed outdoors. The rousing card games and "rollie polies" baked and sent along up by Annette were an equally big draw. 

A proud Air Force veteran, Ken enlisted in June of 1964 and was stationed at Shaw Airforce Base near Sumter, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged as a Staff sergeant in June of 1968. After leaving the Air Force, Ken eventually started work at General Motors, spending many years at the Truck and Bus Plant in Pontiac, Michigan as a fork-lift driver. Ken retired from GM after 30 years. In addition to being a union proud UAW auto worker, Ken had a lifelong love for classic cars. He regularly attended the weekly Holly Car Show, driving over in his 1960 T-Bird. 

Christmas and intricate Christmas tree decorating were a joy that was handed down to Ken by his family. Those entering Annette and Ken's house during the holidays couldn't help being blown away by the fantastic displays Ken put together.  

Ken had a big heart and a wry/dry sense of humor. He wasn't the guy to necessarily say "I love you",  but he showed how much he cared for those he genuinely loved by offering a helping hand, having a chat, or getting in a quick, affectionate "zinger".  No one who truly knew him well took offense at these jibes; they understood that underneath, if Ken was ribbing you, he held you in high regard. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine, his brother Roger, and son Kirk. 

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life with scheduled honor guard and the playing of taps is planned for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Ken's memory. Give hope to kids with cancer  https://stjude.org

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