Jeffrey Davis
Alton | Friday, July 8 2022 |
Jeffrey Lynn "Petey" Davis, 62, died at 11:23 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Jeff was born in Alton, Illinois on November 30, 1959, one of five children born to Herbert and Helen (Bechtold) Davis.
"Petey" grew up in the Dow area, alongside his siblings, cousins, and countless lifelong friends, many of them being from his association as a current member of Knights of Columbus, Grafton Sons of the American Legion, and a former member of the Brighton Rod and Gun Club and Alton Motorboat Club.
He graduated in 1977 from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville, and throughout his life, his career took him to West Lake Quarry, Bernadette Business Forms, Widman Construction, and Volkert, Inc.
As a devout man of faith, Jeff was a faithful Catholic. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Beltrees, followed by St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, but often attended St. Patrick's in Grafton and St. Francis Xavier in Jerseyville.
He married the former Melissa Ann Tonsor on November 21, 1992, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville and together they began to build their life. During their nearly 30-year marriage, they were blessed with many beautiful memories and the joys of their three children.
Known as a humorous storyteller, with a keen talent for handing out nicknames, "Petey" never knew a stranger. He loved spending time with his family and his great lifelong friends. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois basketball, and a George Strait fan. He was also a master at sports trivia, a talented slow-pitch softball player, and enjoyed mowing and mushroom hunting.
Jeff's biggest joy, however, remained constant - his family was his pride and joy, and he was so proud of his three children, Lauren, Trevor, and Morgan. He never missed watching them play their many sports, and they were the highlight of his life.
Although "Petey" may have had a weakened heart, it was still strong enough to spread his love and passion to his parents, siblings, and every niece and nephew, all of which knew of his love for them.
Surviving is his wife, Missy Davis of Dow; his parents, Herb and Helen Davis of Dow; his three children, Trevor Davis of Dow, Lauren Davis, and her companion, Kenny Kearby, of Edwardsville and Morgan Davis and her companion, Ryan Kadell, of Dow; a brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Sybil Davis of Dow; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Jan and Jim Scharth and Cindy Davis, all of Dow and Debbie and Denny Kallal of Jerseyville; nieces and nephews, Chris and Brandie Scharth, Jenny and Josh Zipprich, Rachel Kallal, Amanda, and Matt Scoggins, Chad and Emily Kallal, Carrie and Josh Purdy, Maria Scharth, and Claire Kallal; great nieces and nephews, Liam, Kaliann, Kayla, Carter, Abram, Isaac, Gracie, and Emma.
His love also extended to his Tonsor family, Cindy and Neal Wittman of Jerseyville, Joan and Jim Withers of Loami, Patty and Bill Kuebrich, J.R. and Pam Tonsor, Phillip and Becky Tonsor, all of Jerseyville, Tina and Mike Bennett of Alton, Fran Bear of Jerseyville and Dee Dee Tonsor of Baltimore, Maryland.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Niece Tonsor; 2 brother-in-laws, Larry Bear and John Stafford, and his great friend, Kevin "Crackers" Hansen.
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
A Mass at Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville with Father Martin Smith officiating.
Burial will take place in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Beltrees.
Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville or St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Beltrees.
Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
