Paul Edward Davis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 81 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the beloved husband of Carolyn Sue (Swank) Davis for almost 59 years and father to Jason Davis (Kim Schneider Davis) and Natalie Davis Wheeler (Matthew Wheeler). Paul enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren Seth Raffield, Shauna Raffield, Liam Davis, Reagan Wheeler and Isaac Wheeler, which included attending athletic and academic events. He was also a loving brother, uncle, and friend to all.
Paul Edward Davis was born at home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Son of William E. Davis and Nina J. (Warrick) Davis and brother to Dorthy (Davis) Bosheers,
Wanda (Davis) Yarbrough, and Steve Davis. Paul enjoyed growing up in the country with his family.
While attending Poplar Bluff High School, Paul met his future wife, Carolyn. After graduation in 1961, Paul worked in the summers doing construction and as a custodian at a church in order to pay his way through Southeast Missouri College. In 1965, after earning a bachelor’s degree in Education, he married his high school sweetheart and moved to Festus, Missouri and taught English Language Arts at Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri. Paul also enjoyed riding his horses and showing them in Western Pleasure shows.
In 1969, Paul was drafted in the Vietnam War into the U.S. Army at the age of 26 and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood for basic training. The Army used his skills in English and typing to work in an office on base in Da Nang, South Vietnam. While serving our country, he earned a Service Bronze Star, In 1971, Paul returned home and went back to teaching. After finishing the school year teaching 7th grade English, Paul decided to make a career change and become a State Farm agent. He worked hard to build his business in South St. Louis County and was part of the Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1978, Paul moved his family of 4 and his State Farm agency to Ballwin, Missouri. Paul loved his job and enjoyed cooking southern comfort food, golfing, fishing on his boat, and traveling. He also was a devoted Christian man who volunteered his time cooking for hundreds of people at Manchester United Methodist Church. Paul was an active member of the community and volunteered in the Rockwood School District; he was one of the first recipients of the Rose Award.
Paul Edward Davis was the most caring and compassionate man. He loved to tell funny jokes and had an infectious personality that lit up the room. Paul was loved by so many friends and family. He helped anyone in need with a smile and loved life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Shriner’s Hospital for Children or The Wounded Warrior Project are deeply appreciated.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 9th 3:00pm – 4:00pm for family and 4:00pm – 8:00pm for the public. Services will be held at Kutis Funeral Home (10151 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123) on Thursday, October 10th at 10:00am with a procession to Jefferson Barracks following the service.
You will be sorely missed Paul. Your love of making people laugh, teasing me when I worked for you, and bringing me Lions Choice dipped ice cream. So many memories over the 44 years you were my adopted second dad. I love you and will miss you. My prayers and love go out to Caroline, Jason, Natalie, and their families. He loved you guys so much. You are family and I will be there for you if you need anything. God Bless and hold you.
This was one of the most generous man I have ever known. He loved his family more than anything. He was a great boss and a pleasure to be around. We all loved him at the State Farm office in Chesterfield. My prayers and love to Carolyn , Jason, Natalie and to all the grandchildren. I know he will be missed. I bet there is a lot of laughter in heaven because Paul is there and he loved to laugh.
Paul was the kindest, most generous and most fun human being I have ever known and my life is richer for having him in it although not long enough. He was a great boss but more than that a good friend who saw me through the unexpected loss of my spouse along with my other bosses, Mike and Bill. The world is a richer place after having Paul as a resident and I have no doubt he is now Home with our Father and no longer suffering but is in Paradise waiting for us, partying with my husband! My condolences to Paul’s family for their loss.
I’ve known Paul for over 50 years. Many laughs and good times on our golf journeys. Say hi to Ray and hit it straight.
Paul was a good friend and fellow State Farm Agent. We had some good times at company meetings. I will always remember him talking me into skipping a morning meeting to go play golf. Paul had always beat me but on that day on the second hole I hit a hole in one and went on to beat him for the first and only time. He was also the only witness to my hole in one. Over the years we drifted apart, but he was a great friend and will be missed! I pray that God will comfort Carolyn and family with the knowledge that Paul is now in his heavenly waiting to be reunited with each of you.
Dear aunt carolyn and natalie and Jason I’m so sorry about uncle Paul my prayers are with you and your family I enjoy going bass fishing with him and playing golf with him he was alot fun to be with with I really love him so very much he made me smile when we spend together in family get togethers may God blessed you loveya your second cousin Jon Ferguson xx🙏🙏🌹🌹🎣🎣
We have fond memories of watching our grandsons play baseball with Paul and Carolyn over the past several years. Our thoughts are with your family as you mourn this loss.
I have fond memories of Paul and his State Farm agency. I worked at the corporate office for State Farm and would help Paul in his office with marketing, sales and tech issues. Paul was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Such a sweet guy. I know how much he loved his family and his church…. and cooking and playing golf. I believe the world was better for having Paul in it. Rest in peace.