Obituary for Frederick "Bill" William Davis
Frederick William “Bill” Davis was born December 13, 1951 in Wichita KS and took his last breath on August 10, 2020 at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe KS. Bill is the son of Horace Chesterfield (HC) Davis and Uldine Josephine (Dene) Burroughs Davis. He joined older siblings, Charles Preston Davis and Cynthia Rose Davis. Following a brief residence in Wichita, the family moved to Great Bend, KS where Bill completed his education. He was named after his great uncle, Frederick William Davis, Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Texas.
Bill attended Washburn University where he developed a love for competitive debate. As a new graduate, he joined the staff of KEWI radio as the nighttime disc jockey Bruce Wayne, “Just spinning the hits.” He knew his life was meant for better things. He returned to Washburn to finish an education degree and did his student teaching and the rest is history. Bill spent his days including weekends with his debate students, researching in the libraries, listening to practice debates, driving to tournaments as Skip Johnson, the school bus driver, and judging many rounds. He loved the comradery of colleagues in the coaches lounge and the meaty food offerings. In the summer, Bill would teach college summer camps.
In 1985, Bill began to realize that as much as he loved his students, he longed for children that were his own. He came to Hays, KS to “check out” Patty Morton, a friend from high school, and her young son Joel. He finally got the nerve to share these wishes with her and on June 6, 1986 they were married at the Presbyterian Church Chapel in Great Bend, KS and Patty became Pat Davis, proud momma to Jessie and Cody Davis. The Davis’ moved to “the big blue house outside of Spring Hill KS” in 1987 and live there still. He retired to be the introvert he thought he was in 2013. After a few years of sitting on his front porch and contemplating the meaning of life, Bill was back into the world of debate through his contact with the “young pups” now coaching. Bill served on the USD230 school board and was a member of the National Forensics League.
Bill was a Stoic by philosophical belief and a Christian believer by conviction. He loved a good preacher and critiqued every sermon he ever heard. He was a member of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his “ugly brother” Chuck. His sister, Cindy Rice, is in Indianapolis, IN. Her children Michelle and Nathan also survive. Bill has taken underwing, Chuck’s daughter Ashley and sister in law Connie Davis, both of Pueblo, CO. Bill always considered Joel Morton his son. Joel and his wife Julie are in Virginia Beach, VA where Joel is in the Navy. Their children include Baylee, Brailyn, Harvey and James. Wesley Amos Morton is due soon. Bill has always loved each new person joining his family. Jessie married Roger Caliman. They live in Independence MO with their young son Hadley. Cody shares his life with Cierra Floyd and children Ariella Floyd, Roman Marshall and Eva “the diva” Davis. They are in Topeka, KS.
Bill’s charity of choice was to return library books late. We know that he would find joy in any contribution made to the benefit of youth. If you need an idea, we can suggest the Back Pack food program for schools with Church of the Resurrection. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. As Bill requested, his ashes will be scattered at his favorite place, Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Go with God and do as you please.
Bill attended Washburn University where he developed a love for competitive debate. As a new graduate, he joined the staff of KEWI radio as the nighttime disc jockey Bruce Wayne, “Just spinning the hits.” He knew his life was meant for better things. He returned to Washburn to finish an education degree and did his student teaching and the rest is history. Bill spent his days including weekends with his debate students, researching in the libraries, listening to practice debates, driving to tournaments as Skip Johnson, the school bus driver, and judging many rounds. He loved the comradery of colleagues in the coaches lounge and the meaty food offerings. In the summer, Bill would teach college summer camps.
In 1985, Bill began to realize that as much as he loved his students, he longed for children that were his own. He came to Hays, KS to “check out” Patty Morton, a friend from high school, and her young son Joel. He finally got the nerve to share these wishes with her and on June 6, 1986 they were married at the Presbyterian Church Chapel in Great Bend, KS and Patty became Pat Davis, proud momma to Jessie and Cody Davis. The Davis’ moved to “the big blue house outside of Spring Hill KS” in 1987 and live there still. He retired to be the introvert he thought he was in 2013. After a few years of sitting on his front porch and contemplating the meaning of life, Bill was back into the world of debate through his contact with the “young pups” now coaching. Bill served on the USD230 school board and was a member of the National Forensics League.
Bill was a Stoic by philosophical belief and a Christian believer by conviction. He loved a good preacher and critiqued every sermon he ever heard. He was a member of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his “ugly brother” Chuck. His sister, Cindy Rice, is in Indianapolis, IN. Her children Michelle and Nathan also survive. Bill has taken underwing, Chuck’s daughter Ashley and sister in law Connie Davis, both of Pueblo, CO. Bill always considered Joel Morton his son. Joel and his wife Julie are in Virginia Beach, VA where Joel is in the Navy. Their children include Baylee, Brailyn, Harvey and James. Wesley Amos Morton is due soon. Bill has always loved each new person joining his family. Jessie married Roger Caliman. They live in Independence MO with their young son Hadley. Cody shares his life with Cierra Floyd and children Ariella Floyd, Roman Marshall and Eva “the diva” Davis. They are in Topeka, KS.
Bill’s charity of choice was to return library books late. We know that he would find joy in any contribution made to the benefit of youth. If you need an idea, we can suggest the Back Pack food program for schools with Church of the Resurrection. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. As Bill requested, his ashes will be scattered at his favorite place, Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Go with God and do as you please.