Mr. Merlin Luverne Davis

Merlin Luverne Davis, son of David U. and Mildred I. Buffington Davis, was born March 6, 1926 in Louisa County near Wyman, Iowa and died March 31, 2013 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, Iowa. Merlin was 87 years and 25 days old. Masonic Services with Mr. John Summerson presiding were held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2012 at the Hastings Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at the First Christian Church, Perry, Iowa. Pastor Rev. Tim Johnson pastor of First Christian Church presided over the worship services. Honorary bearers were Leon McDowell, Tom South, Jim Haas, Darrell Bever, Bill Liston, and Dick Lowe. Casket bearers were Kevin Davis, Keegan Davis, Troy Gilroy, Alex Robb, Logan Robb and Nicholas Soll. The Musician was Donna Emmert and the Soloist was Randy McCaulley. Music was Precious Lord Take My Hand, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder and I Can Only Imagine. Interment was at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa. Merlin lived in rural Wyman until 1946 when he moved to Perry. He married Nellie M. Brewer on November 16, 1947 in Davenport, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Cinda, Keith, and Lila. During World War II, Merlin joined the U.S. Navy. He served in both the European African Middle Eastern and Asiatic Pacific Campaigns aboard the USS Shamrock Bay and USS Bennington Air Craft Carriers as an Aviation Machinist Mate. After his discharge in 1946, he joined the Iowa Army National Guard in Battery A 185th Field Artillery in July of 1947 in Perry. Merlin served in the maintenance section as a mechanic. He received several promotions during his years there and in August of 1972, transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment at Camp Dodge, IA. Merlin was promoted to Military Personnel Technician Master Sergeant E-8. In 1976 he was promoted to Sergeant Major E9. As Personnel Supervisor, he was converted to full-time military duty for two years in 1979-1981. In 1981, he was assigned to the office of Chief of Staff as Senior Enlisted Advisor. He retired in 1986 and transferred to US Army Control Group retired. In 1990 he was ordered to active duty by 4th Army during Desert Storm to serve as Family Assistance Coordinator in Boone, IA. He transferred to US Army Control Group and was discharged from the U.S. Army with over 42 years of military service and retired at the rank of Sergeant Major. Merlin received many Awards and Decorations. He was Past Master of the Otley Masonic Lodge, Past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Past President of the Iowa Sergeants Major Association, also a member of the Enlisted Association National Guard of the US; the Shrine, Scottish Rite, Otley Masonic Lodge, Loyal Order of the Eastern Star and the Elks Club. Merlin enjoyed camping with family and friends, fishing, and boating. He and Nellie spent 20 years wintering in Texas. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joy Crossett. Merlin's memory is cherished by his wife of over 65 years, Nellie, two daughters, Cinda B. Mathis (Kent) of La Feria, TX and Lila M. Robb of Bouton, IA; one son Keith L. Davis (Denise) of Ankeny, IA; eight grandchildren, Kevin Davis (Emily) of Johnston, IA; Brian Davis of Oskaloosa, IA; Juli Johnson (Tony) of Oskaloosa, IA; Terri Soll (Brent) of Harlan, IA; Danielle Mathis of Kansas City, MO; Troy Gilroy of Charlotte, NC; Alex Robb (Sara Polzin) of Perry, IA; and Logan Robb of Bouton, IA. Merlin is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; brother Roger Davis (Gladys) of Winfield, IA; and sister Loris Wiley (Vernon) of Fairfield, IA; other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home , Perry, Iowa 50220. www.hastingsfh.com