Walter Jay Davis

  Walter passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2014, at the age of 61 after a yearlong brief bout with brain cancer.  Walter was born February 18, 1953, in Yuma, Arizona, to Archie and Merilyn (Montignani) Davis who predeceased him.  He was also predeceased by his baby brother Randy and his older brother David. He was currently of Okemos, Michigan.

Walter was employed by the Michigan State University Department of Human Resources as a systems analyst at the time of his death.  He is survived by his wife Sherry Halpert Davis; daughter, Emily Davis (Bobby) Trudgeon; grandson, Robert Jay Trudgeon; siblings, Carol Stehlik, Gail (John) Hayes, Archie (Kris) Davis, Merilyn (Allen) Botorff and Danny (Tammy) Davis, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.  Walter was a brilliant man with a great personality and even greater sense of humor.  He was eccentric…a large part of his charm.  He was liked by everyone he met.  A devoted father and husband, Walter loved doing household projects.  He replaced his 4000 square foot roof by himself with no experience, no training and a huge fear of heights.  This is a perfect example of Walter’s belief that he could do anything he tried.  Walter was a very hard worker.  He put himself through school while working on a dump truck mornings and attending classes afterwards.  He loved to learn and loved to teach.  Both were his passion. He worked full time once he earned his Master’s Degree in Computer Science and taught part time at LCC for 20 years.

Walter was a great story teller, a trait passed on to him from generations before.  He could talk about almost anything and did.  He got great pleasure from stimulating conversation and debates.  Walter will be missed by so many for his great sense of humor, fascinating stories and deep caring for others.  It seems very ironic that a man of such great intelligence would lose his life to brain cancer.

Per his request, Walter will be cremated.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel at 325 W. Washtenaw, Lansing, MI  48933 at 2:00 p.m.  A meal of condolence will be held following the service at Congregation Kehillat Israel, 2014 Forest Road, Lansing, MI  48910.  In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Society for Oglio Research, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458, Hospice of Lansing, Inc., 4052 Legacy Parkway, Lansing, MI  48911, or Congregation Kehillat Israel, 2014 Forest Road, Lansing, MI  48910.  The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to The Department of Human Resources at Michigan State University, Care Connections Home Health Care, the Neuro Step Down Unit at Sparrow Hospital, Hospice of Lansing and all others who contributed their love, prayers and support throughout this journey.  Rest in peace our beloved.

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11 Messages to “Walter Jay Davis

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Christine Keyes
June 30, 2014 at 7:18 am

Be at peace, Walter.

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Mary Millar
June 30, 2014 at 8:01 am

I am so happy that Walter’s pain and suffering is over and he is free of his Earthly bonds. I know he is watching over Sherry and his family…especially his Grandson, RJ.

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Jane Crowner
June 30, 2014 at 2:15 pm

Walter was one of the truly good guys I was blessed to be acquainted with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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Sue Hilla Clifford
June 30, 2014 at 7:01 pm

Sherry,So very sorry for your loss! You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sue

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Robyn Starr-Shackelford
July 1, 2014 at 12:16 am

RIP/RIL Walter you will be missed dearly give Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Archie my love and Grandma Betty and Great Grandpa Archie and my mama. Sorry for the loss I know Walter was a good man I know who raised him much love to the family my prayer to you all I remember him running around in and out of the house as his mom taught me to knit

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Julie Pierce
July 1, 2014 at 9:17 am

The world has lost a truly wonderful man. Walter was one-of-a-kind with a heart and a laugh as big as the universe. My thoughts and prayers are with Sherry and the family.

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Deb Bittner
July 1, 2014 at 9:50 am

Sherry and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Walter was a fun man to know and i considered it a great honor that he knew my name and would chat with me. It will be hard without him and I know I will him. My your memories and fun times with Walter help you in the days and years to come.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Deb Bittner

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Jeanette M. Robertson
July 1, 2014 at 1:35 pm

Sherry & family:
My sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So, sorry for your loss.

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Rhonda Oyer
July 1, 2014 at 6:53 pm

Walter will be truly missed. I enjoyed the times I got to spend in conversation with him at Rita’s parties. Sherry, I am thinking of you and your family.

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Aaron and Natasha Kendal
July 3, 2014 at 1:50 pm

Sherry and Emily, our hearts are very heavy for you. We are thinking of you at this sad time.

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Lisa Braedon
July 4, 2014 at 8:37 am

Hi Sherry and Emily,
I truly enjoyed working with Walter. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed his sense of humor and caring nature. I hope we can get together in the near future.
Sending love your way!

Sincerely,
Lisa Braedon
Speech therapist

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