Obituary for Larry Lane Davis
LARRY LANE DAVIS, 74, June 26, 2020, Bakersfield, California
Larry was born in Celina, Texas on April 5, 1946. He was the second son to James and Florence Davis. As a young child, the family relocated to Santa Paula, CA.. Larry grew up in Santa Paula, very active in athletics and school activities. Larry idolized his older brother, Tommy, who was 11 years older. Larry was drafted into the Army to go to Vietnam in 1965. Larry enrolled in the flight program (even though he was several inches over the height limit). After flight school graduation he was sent to Vietnam.
Larry flew reconnaisance in a single engine plane called a Bird Dog. He flew many missions as he directed ground fire to specific enemy locations, and also directed war ships off the coast. On April 1, 1969 Larry’s plane was shot down over the jungle just after he located a large ammunition bunker being held by the VietCong. Just before going down, Larry was able to direct fire and had the bunker destroyed. His observer dragged him out of the plane and went for help. Larry was rescued under fire by helicopter. Larry was awarded a Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars
After the plane crash, Larry was sent first to Japan for immediate surgery to repair a badly injured knee and arm. Next he arrived in the States for an 11-month stay for multiple surgeries. While home on convalescent leave he went on a blind date with Sharon, a woman introduced by friends. A year later, in 1970, they were married and made their home in Bakersfield, CA. Sharon was the love of his life. Larry adopted her three sons. Larry was truly a family man and was very close to his parents and his brother. He and Sharon were to celebrate fifty years of marriage on November 27, 2020.
Larry had a very successful career in Human Resources, working in banking and trucking.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tommy and his nephew Mark Davis. He leaves behind his wife Sharon and their three sons: Derek (wife Jenny), David and Jay.
Graveside services will be held at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Arvin on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Due to Covid-19, the services are limited to immediate family. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service at a close friend’s home.
Larry was born in Celina, Texas on April 5, 1946. He was the second son to James and Florence Davis. As a young child, the family relocated to Santa Paula, CA.. Larry grew up in Santa Paula, very active in athletics and school activities. Larry idolized his older brother, Tommy, who was 11 years older. Larry was drafted into the Army to go to Vietnam in 1965. Larry enrolled in the flight program (even though he was several inches over the height limit). After flight school graduation he was sent to Vietnam.
Larry flew reconnaisance in a single engine plane called a Bird Dog. He flew many missions as he directed ground fire to specific enemy locations, and also directed war ships off the coast. On April 1, 1969 Larry’s plane was shot down over the jungle just after he located a large ammunition bunker being held by the VietCong. Just before going down, Larry was able to direct fire and had the bunker destroyed. His observer dragged him out of the plane and went for help. Larry was rescued under fire by helicopter. Larry was awarded a Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars
After the plane crash, Larry was sent first to Japan for immediate surgery to repair a badly injured knee and arm. Next he arrived in the States for an 11-month stay for multiple surgeries. While home on convalescent leave he went on a blind date with Sharon, a woman introduced by friends. A year later, in 1970, they were married and made their home in Bakersfield, CA. Sharon was the love of his life. Larry adopted her three sons. Larry was truly a family man and was very close to his parents and his brother. He and Sharon were to celebrate fifty years of marriage on November 27, 2020.
Larry had a very successful career in Human Resources, working in banking and trucking.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tommy and his nephew Mark Davis. He leaves behind his wife Sharon and their three sons: Derek (wife Jenny), David and Jay.
Graveside services will be held at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Arvin on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Due to Covid-19, the services are limited to immediate family. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service at a close friend’s home.