Final Salute

Rodney Eugene Davis, born June 22, 1937 in Diagonal, IA passed away on Monday August 9, 2021 in Sidney, IA at the age of 84. Rodney’s parents were William M. and Hildreth L. (Kessler) Davis. Rodney graduated Diagonal High School in 1956, after gradu
Tuesday, August 10th 2021, 10:57 AM CDT
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Rodney Eugene Davis, born June 22, 1937 in Diagonal, IA passed away on Monday August 9, 2021 in Sidney, IA at the age of 84. Rodney’s parents were William M. and Hildreth L. (Kessler) Davis.

Rodney graduated Diagonal High School in 1956, after graduating he joined the United States Navy. During this time he served on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp.

Rodney married Martha Belle Sobotka on May 17, 1959. They resided in Lynn, MA during their first year of marriage. After serving four years in the Navy he took a six year break. In the summer of 1967 Rod re-entered the Navy as a Seabee equipment operator serving two terms in Vietnam. While serving in the Navy, Rodney was stationed with a seabee team in: the Mediterranean, The West Carolina Island of Plau, Puerto Rico, Japan, and was a Navy recruiter in Iowa. The family accompanied him to Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, California, Iowa and Mississippi. In February of 1983 Rod had a retirement ceremony in Omaha, NE after serving in the Navy for twenty years and five days. After retiring, he drove a semi for Earl May in Shenandoah, IA along with many other part-time jobs.

Rodney was a member of Tabor First Christian Church for many years. He enjoyed mowing the lawn for his church and many family members. Rodney enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards and board games with friends and family.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim Davis; sons, Matthew Davis and John Davis; daughter, Rayann West; and son-in-law Kevin Fichter. Survivors include his wife, Martha of Nebraska City, NE; daughters, Becky Fichter of Sidney, IA; Joya (Roger) McGrew of Emerson, IA; brother, Art (Jacque) Davis of Weeping Water, NE; daughter-in-law, Patty Myers of Calhan, CO; son-in-law, Rodney (Jennifer) West of Sidney, IA; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the First Christian Church in Tabor, IA with burial following the luncheon. Graveside services will be 3:00 PM Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the Marshalltown Cemetery in Benton, IA. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the Crawford-Marshall Funeral Chapel in Tabor, IA. A memorial fund has been established. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.marshallfuneral.com.

Crawford-Marshall Funeral Chapel of Tabor, IA Sidney is in charge of arrangements.