Leigh Davis

 

 

  Leigh Kevin, son of Lynn and Ellen (Rowbotham) Davis, was born August 11, 1957 in Lemmon, SD. Over his life he lived in 42 different communities in various states, attending school in many of them. He graduated from Winona High School in Winona, MN in 1975. Leigh then entered Winona State University graduating with a BA in 1983. He majored in Mass Communications and Photo Journalism.

   From 1986 to 1992 Leigh was in the Navy Reserve then joined the Iowa Army National Guard A CO 1-168 INF. He was an Army Recruiter from 1994 – 1996. In 2000 he earned his Associate Degree in Nursing from Des Moines Area Community College. In 2004 he was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom 5, Task Force 168. He returned home in 2005, retiring in 2007 with the rank of 1SG. During his time in the service he earned many commendations, including a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

   Leigh was blessed with two sons. On Valentine’s Day in 1990          Leigh was united in marriage with Deb Wirtz the love of his life. They made their home in Carroll. Leigh began his nursing career at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll and continued at Manning Regional Healthcare Center as a registered nurse and manager of the Emergency Room Department.

   In his spare time Leigh enjoyed photography and loved woodworking and home improvement projects. He also took pleasure in gardening, watching movies, reading and playing computer games on his iPad. His favorite place to be was next to Deb, his loving wife.

   When Leigh’s health began to fail after two brain surgeries, two strokes and being diagnosed with cancer, his wife became his full time care giver. When he became severely ill, he was transferred to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines where he died on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at the age of 58 years, 4 months and 18 days.

    He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father in law Reverend H Allen Wirtz.

    Leigh is survived by his wife Deb Davis of Carroll, two sons Michael Davis (Sarah Marie James) of Bremerton, WA and Stephen Davis of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughter Taryn Davis; parents Lynn and Ellen Davis of Lincoln, NE; brothers Doug Davis (Linda) of Prattville, AL and Mark Davis (Vicki) of Lincoln, NE; sister Robin Stone of Lake City, MN; mother in law Eileen Wirtz of Carroll; sister in law Vicki McGowan of Moline, IL; brother in law Allen Wirtz (Nancy) of Glendale Heights, IL; numerous nieces and nephews and their families as well as many, many friends.

  

Visitation Friday, January 1, 2016, 4 – 6 PM Ohde Twit Funeral Home, Carroll, Iowa   Funeral Service Saturday, January 2, 2016, 10:30 AM United Methodist Church, Carroll, Iowa Reverend Dennis Bailey, Officiating                     Recorded Music “God Bless the USA”     Lee Greenwood “Eternal Flame”     The Bangles   Congregation Hymns “Let There Be Peace on Earth” “Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past” Ellen Severin, Accompanist   Honorary Casket Bearers Leigh’s comrades from the Iowa National Guard Leigh’s nursing friends from MRHC and St Anthony   Casket Bearers Cory Stone    Chris Stone    Jefferson Davis Allen Wirtz     Luther Wirtz Manuel McGowan Serrano   Interment with Military Honors American Legion, Maurice Dunn Post #7 Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carroll, Iowa