Msg (Retired) Daniel C. Davis

MSG (Retired) Daniel “Dan” C. Davis, of Earlville, IL, formally of Lanark, IL, passed away Thursday, September 16th, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 23rd, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Friends and family may watch the service live at https://www.facebook.com/groups/837178796985228/

Dan was born July 30th, 1958, son of Carl and Jeanette (Elliott) Davis. Dan’s family moved around Northern Illinois but eventually settled in Chadwick, IL. Dan attended Chadwick High School where he met the love of his life, Linda Fisher. The two were high school sweet hearts, and soon after graduating became married. Together Dan and Linda raised three children and celebrated 42 years of marriage.

After high school, Dan joined the United States Army as an Infantryman and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Dan served many assignments while serving, to include tours at Fort Benning, GA, Schofield Barracks, HI, and Camp Walker, Korea. Notably was Dan’s time serving as a “Black Hat” with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, training Paratroopers and Jump Masters on the proper execution of airborne operations, in addition to his service during Gulf War as a Platoon Sergeant with 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Dan culminated his career as a Master Sergeant and 20 years and 22 days of service. The 82nd Airborne fostered Dan’s abilities to be a great leader and teacher, traits he would carry for the rest of his life and pass down to his three children. All of whom served their country in the United States Army.

After Dan retired from the Army, the Davis family moved back to Carroll County, where Dan began working for Carroll Service Company, Farm Systems. He used his experience in safety and being a teacher in a new profession and found ways to continue his role as a leader. Dan worked for Carroll Service Company for 20 years, retiring in 2019.

When Dan wasn't working, he most enjoyed spending time with his family. Whether it was a bike trip on the Gold Wing or “Glamping” in the family RV, Dan was happiest in the company of those he loved. Dan especially loved being a grandfather. His grandchildren became the center of his life. They brought both himself and Linda enormous amounts of happiness and joy.

Dan will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda Davis of Earlville, IL; three children, SGT (Veteran) Michelle (Don) Zdan of Montgomery, IL, CW3 (Retired) Shawn (Lauanda) Davis of Kihei, HI, MAJ Daniel (Valerie) Davis Jr. of San Antonio, TX and seven grandchildren, Gage, Olivia, Ethan, Deanna, Sophia, Levi and Luke; one brother, Keith Davis of Bluff Dale, TX; and two sisters, Janet (Tom) VanFleet of Rhome, TX, and Mary Rohrer of Lemont, IL.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jeanette; parent-in-laws, Donald and Alta Fisher; and his brother, Gregg.