Robert E. "Bob" Davis

Robert E. "Bob" Davis, 88, of Peoria, IL passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Farmington Country Manor. He was born on January 6, 1928 in Peoria, IL to Lester and Lola (Nicholas) Davis. He married Betty J. Sitzmore on July 20, 1947 in Peoria. Surviving are two sons Dan Davis of Morton and Tom (Teri) Davis of Coal Valley, IL; two daughters Debbie (Rick) Zimmerman of East Peoria and Diane Patton of Peoria; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters Mary Ann King of Chillicothe and Betty (Bob) Schaer of Peoria; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, two brothers, daughter-in-law Nancy Davis, and grandson Cole Davis. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served aboard the LST 202 in the Pacific Theater at Palawan, Leyte, Guam, the invasion of Okinawa and other locations during World War II. He was among the first of the American Forces to occupy Japan as the war ended. He was a life member and past Post Commander of VFW Post 2602 in Peoria Heights. Upon his return to Peoria after the war, he boxed in the Golden Gloves and his hobbies were stock car racing at the old Mount Hawley Speedway, softball and bowling. Bob retired from the Laborers Local 165 and was also a bartender for many years at several establishments. The family would like to thank OSF Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion of Bob. Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the VFW, 1505 East Lake Avenue, Peoria Heights. Graveside services will be announced at a later date. Memorials in Bob's name may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or at woundedwarriorproject.org. Online condolences at www.peoriafuneral.com.