Vernon Floyd Davis

1933 - 2017

Vernon Floyd Davis obituary, 1933-2017, Boise, ID

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel - Payette

112 N 9th Street

Payette, Idaho

Vernon Davis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 6, 2017.

Vernon Davis was born on June 18, 1933, in Medford, Minnesota, and he died at home of natural causes just short of his birthday at the age of 83. His parents were Floyd and Otilla Davis, and he was the oldest of three children, which include his sister, Nancy Letney, and his brother, Lynn Davis.

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Rodenbaugh and Pam Mittleider; his son-in-laws, Robert and Steve; his grandchildren, Samantha, Mandy, Mishele, Mike and Kim; and his great-grandchildren, Dakota, A.J., and Ricky. His beloved wife, Jayne, died in 1999.

He grew up during the Great Depression, and the family moved several times so that his father could find work and put food on the table. The family eventually found their way to Payette. Those difficult times helped create the hardworking man he would become. He graduated from Payette High School, a great accomplishment for someone who had moved around so much, especially as he always started school two weeks late because he worked after the harvest at a prune packing shed. Vern met his wife, Jayne Brumet, the love of his life, in high school, and they were married in June 1953.

Vern worked at a furniture store and a Safeway, hoed beets, bucked spuds, and worked at a local newspaper. In 1951, Vern joined the Idaho National Guard where he started as a cook, was promoted to mess sergeant, then ammo sergeant, and was then promoted to a chief serving in the Idaho National Guard Howitzer Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Armored Cavalry. Vern was honorably discharged in 1959 with the rank of sergeant first class.

Vern was drawn to the newspaper business and began working for the Idaho Statesman in 1962, where he retired after 35 years in 1997. Vern enjoyed working for the newspaper where he first learned to make up pages using hot metal typesetting, and later transitioned to phototypesetting when technology improved in the 1960s, working on the night side as a makeup man.

Vern was an amateur geologist who loved the outdoors, and he spent much of his free time prospecting in the hills above Idaho City for gold or silver. He started with a rock hammer and hand lens, later panned for gold, and used a sluice box. Although he never hit the mother lode, he enjoyed the process of searching for the elusive ore deposits with his family and friends, and even taught his grandchildren and great grandchildren how to pan for gold.

Vern suffered two strokes after the death of his wife which compromised his health, but he continued to enjoy the attention and affection of his family who valued his presence in their lives, and hugs for grandpa were a regular part of his life. He was proud of the lives his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren made for themselves, and never failed to brag about their accomplishments. With the assistance of his family, his home continued to be the center of holiday and birthday celebrations and he watched fireworks, Easter egg hunts, and water fights from the comfort of his chair.

Just as Jayne's passing created a new family dynamic, Vern's loss will be felt for many years to come. But knowing that they are together now gives the family great comfort, and eases his passing.

Vern loved going to visit one of his friends Rich at his favorite shop to visit and look around. He also enjoyed going to the grocery store and restaurants where he was a regular and they knew him by sight and welcomed him.
The family would like to express our greatest thanks for all the support and help from the nurses and staff at Compassas Hospice.

A memorial service for Vern will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 10th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences can be made to his family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Davis

Sponsored by Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel - Payette.

What is your first memory of Vernon?

Share a favorite memory you have of Vernon.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Vernon.

Describe a time when Vernon made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Vernon?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Vernon.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Vernon.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Vernon.

What is something you learned from Vernon?

Not sure what to say?

2 Entries

June 7, 2017

Rick Musick

We are so sorry for your loss Pam and Steve.

Rick & Nita Musick

June 7, 2017

Jeannine Mars

During the mid-1980s, I worked in the newsroom of The Idaho Statesman. One of my tasks was designing pages, and I appreciated both Vern's expertise in putting together those pages and the sense of teamwork that we developed. He always seemed to have a solution when the elements of the page didn't quite fit right. I will always have pleasant memories of those days.

I hope that you are able to hold on to your own pleasant memories of your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. My prayers are with you in your time of loss.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Vernon Davis's name

Memorial Events
for Vernon Davis

Jun

10

Memorial service

10:30 a.m.

Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel - Payette

112 N 9th Street, Payette, ID 83661

Funeral services provided by:

Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel - Payette

112 N 9th Street, Payette, ID 83661

How to support Vernon's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Vernon Davis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more