Elwood N (Butch) Davis 74 of Swanzey died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 8, 2009 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.
He was born the son of Francis and Josephine (Gaseau) Davis on August 18, 1935 in North Swanzey. He was educated locally and has lived in the Swanzey area for most of his life.
Mr. Davis took his vows on June 18, 1988 to Miss Esperanze (Espie) Degala at the Methodist Church in Keene. They have been happily married for 21 years before he passed.
Butch has held many positions over the years. He has been gainfully employed for the past five years as a courtesy shuttle driver for Wallier Chevrolet in Keene. He has also been a part time Police officer in Winchester and Troy during the 1970’s and a Patrolman in Swanzey during the 1980’s.
Mr. Davis was a patriot serving his country in the United States Army. He served in Korea during the Korean war. With time and service he rose threw the ranks and was promoted to Master Sargent. Mr. Davis was very proud of his military accomplishments. He served four years on active duty and stayed in the reserve component for an additional 20 years retiring in 1979. He was stationed overseas in Korea and Hawaii. M.SGT. Davis was the recipient of a National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medals. He was trained in light infantry weapons. While in the reserves he served in many key roles as Senior Enlisted Staff.
Butch was an avid candlepin bowler. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and past Commander during the 1980’s. He enjoyed a good game of horse shoes and enjoyed restoring old cars in his leisure. Camping was an avenue to get away and relax. Mr. Davis was a long time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 799. and American Legion, post 4 of Keene. He had served many positions over the years including past Post Commander.
Mr. Davis is survived by his loving wife Espie Davis of Swanzey. His four children: Michael L. Davis Sr. and his wife Tammie of Swanzey, Donna R. Murray and her husband Ralph of Swanzey, Dodi L. O’Brien of Mass. and Edvardo D. (Edward) Davis and his wife Maureen of FL. He leaves a sister: Shirley A. Dutrisac and her husband Richard of Troy. Grandpa/Pepe will be missed by his five grandchildren: Derik and Darron Graves, Michael and Christopher Davis and Laci O’Brien. He also leaves one great grandchild Matthew Davis. Butch is pre-deceased by three siblings: Richard Davis, Franklin Davis and Sandra Davis.
A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. With a celebration of life service to be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. all in the funeral home. Member of the VFW and American Legion will perform military prayers during calling hours at 7 p.m. Burial will be held in the spring at Mountain View Cemetery in Swanzey with full military honors. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family has requested monetary donations be made in memory of Elwood (Butch) N. Davis to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 7585717, Topeka, KS. 66675-8517.
