Allan Sam Davis, age 77, passed away peacefully the evening of February 16, 2021 at Regent Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Wichita, Kansas with his daughter, Jordan, and his son, Zach, by his side.
He married Cheryl E. Davis (Gracy) on August 30th, 1964. They were married for 56 years. Together, they raised Jordan and Zach and loved enjoying their grandchildren Chase, Charley, Makaela and Evan. Allan & Cheryl met at the Caldwell swimming pool during Cheryl’s senior year where Allan lifeguarded and worked on his envied suntan that he managed to keep over the many years spent at either the pool, lake or golf course.
Born in Eureka, Kansas, to parents Harry & Frances Davis, he was raised with his sister Carol (Davis) Wiens.
He attended Caldwell High School and graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. Known as the "West Point of the West" it offers a rich history and tradition of educating tomorrow's leaders. He attended college at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.
Allan served in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1960s stationed in Korea.
Allan & Cheryl lived in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where Allan worked for Rockwell Industries and thus began his love for OU football and became a Boomer Sooner. Ultimately, Allan and Cheryl moved to Wichita, Kansas and built their home in east Wichita in 1976. They enjoyed raising their family through the years as Zach & Jordan swam in the backyard pool and ventured on many road trips and ski trips together.
Allan participated in all of Zach & Jordan’s sports that included golf, soccer, basketball, tennis, snow skiing and softball. He coached Jordan’s softball team for years and won a number father-son golf tournaments with Zach. Many weekends were spent traveling all over the state for Jordan’s gymnastics tournaments.
Zach will be placing the three plaques they won together with Allan as he is laid to rest. They won 3rd place the first year and 1st place the next two tournaments as they practiced and bonded together into Zach’s teenage years.
Allan’s favorite sport, without a doubt, was golf. He played in many tournaments with his golf buddies and made his first hole-in-one at Braeburn Golf Course in Wichita, Kansas just a few years ago on hole #7 (179 yards) with his trusted 3-wood. A typical Saturday for Allan would be a 6am tee time at Crestview Country Club, coming home at lunchtime requesting a sandwich as he jumped in the backyard pool. Allan cleaned it for hours with his vacuums and brushes, making sure it was always perfect for friends and family to enjoy. Cheryl would always have her “honey do” list ready that Allan would work on diligently. He enjoyed working in the backyard and around the house.
Allan’s favorite sports teams were the Oklahoma Sooners, Kansas Jayhawks, and Kansas State Wildcats. He was a season football ticket holder for the Sooners for many years, traveling to Norman, Oklahoma for as many games as he could every fall. Cheryl accompanied him to most of the games and often became embarrassed by his colorful language during games as they received stares from others in his section. Zach and Allan travelled together for football games across the region and even to Notre Dame University in Indiana to watch the "Fighting Irish."
Allan loved cars. If anyone came to visit, chances are that Allan would clean the windshield and even provide free car washes in the driveway as they swam in the background pool. His vehicles were always clean and well-maintained. He had a few Corvettes and Mustangs over the years as well as Cadillacs and a 57 Chevy. His family enjoyed riding their blue 4-wheeler around Cedar Hill Farm and jet skis at the lake.
Allan’s happy place was driving a pontoon boat on Grand Lake with his family aboard and enjoying a cold beer.
On their 50th wedding anniversary, Allan and Cheryl were honored with a surprise party surrounded by family and friends. They were not expecting it at all. Everyone gathered at Zach’s office party room while he picked them up to go out for a nice dinner. Allan asked Zach to make a quick stop to get some flowers for Cheryl before they arrived at where they “thought” they were going and they walked into a big celebration.
Allan & Cheryl’s last vacation together was a trip to Destin, Florida where they lived it up. They enjoyed seafood, walking at the pier and sticking their feet in the sand all while holding a margarita in their hands.
More than anything, Allan loved his grandchildren Chase, Charley, Makaela, and Evan. He taught each one how to swim, read books to them and was very active and involved in their lives.
Allan worked for Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas for 30 years. After leaving Koch, he started his own company that used digital imaging technology for paperwork and filing eventually retiring from LSI Logic in Wichita. Zach worked for Allan’s company throughout high school and college. In recent years, Allan worked for H&R Block.
Allan is survived by his wife, Cheryl Davis of Wichita, Kansas; one son, Zachary Davis and wife Nickcole of Wichita, Kansas and a daughter Jordan Heiman and husband Jerod of Wichita, Kansas; one sister Carol Wiens and husband Jack of Derby, Kansas; brother-in-law Douglas Gracy and wife Kim of Shawnee, Kansas; sister-in-law Kimberly Wolf and husband Jim of Overland Park, Kansas; cousin Virginia Lusinski and husband Bob of Boston, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren Chase, Charley, Makaela and Evan. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church. Graveside service will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, Oklahoma.
Memorials may be made to Phoenix Home Care & Hospice 3450 N Rock Road Building 200, Wichita, Ks 67226 or to First Tee – Greater Wichita PO Box 8313, Wichita, Ks 67208 and sent in care of the mortuary.
Previous Condolences
With Sympathy
Vicki Hilbrands - 02/21/2021
I had the pleasure of working with Allen for a few years at LSI. He was always smiling and had kind words for me. Loved his sense of humor. I feel honored to have known Allen. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Vicki Hilbrands
Many Memories of "Sam"
Ron Peden - 02/24/2021
Allan has always been "Sam" to me since we first met as fraternity pledge brothers at KU and became good friends. His great sense of humor was always on display as was his positive attitude. Diana and I convey our sorrow and deepest sympathies to Cheryl, Jordan, and Zach.
Rest Allan, until you hear at
Harry Simpson - 02/24/2021
Rest Allan, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Air Force.
Dear Cheryl, Zach and Jordan
Fern C Bowman - 02/26/2021
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Allan. When I did not receive a Christmas Card, I wondered if they were ok. Allan was Cheryl's rock. He will be missed terribly.
