William Franklin “Bill” Davis, 89, rural Parker, died June 30, 2012, at North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola.

Bill was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Osawatomie, the older of two children of George Harris Davis and Iva Maude Evinger Davis. The family moved to the farm south of Osawatomie when he was 8 to 10 years old. He graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1940.

He worked for Peck-Wolken Chevrolet for a couple of years, then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force on Nov. 6, 1942, and was discharged Jan. 12, 1946, and served 10 years of active reserves. He was a sergeant with the 347th Airdrome Squadron, which was a cargo supply unit. He participated in the China Offensive, Central Burma and India-Burma Campaign during World War II.

When he returned to civilian life, he operated a Mobilgas service station in Osawatomie for a time and then was a mechanic for Osawatomie Motors, Paola Ford and Burk’s Auto Clinic.

He was married to Lorna Zink in 1949. They became the parents of two children. The marriage ended in divorce.

He married Eleanor Jean Krause in Paola on Jan. 4, 1965, and they made their home in Osawatomie. He immediately adopted Eleanor’s daughter, Theresa.

He was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Osawatomie. He is a member of the Beagle United Methodist Church.

He is a life member of the John Hinkle Post No. 204 of the American Legion and the Hanlin-Kelley Post No. 2258 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, both of Osawatomie.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Joseph “Billy” Davis; one infant sister, Margaret, who died at birth; and one great-granddaughter, Haelie Springer.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of the home; two daughters, Theresa Springer (Martin) of Osawatomie and Debra Phelps; seven grandchildren, including three local grandchildren, Ian Springer (Kerri), Christine Glyn and Kelly Ortiz (Jamie); 13 great-grandchildren, Devon Smithhisler, Elana Smithhisler, Micah Glyn, Zaydee Springer, Jerrica Springer, Oakland Springer, Ayden Ortiz, Sienna Ortiz, Keyton Dickerson, Aaron Phelps, William J. Davis Jr., Travis Davis and Jodi Davis.

Services were Friday, followed by burial in the Osawatomie Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements were by Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, 203 Main St., Osawatomie, KS 66064, (913) 755-2114, www.eddybirchard.com.

Memorials may be made to Disabled Veterans Assoc.