Lloyd E. (L.E.) Davis

Lloyd E. Davis passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, at the age of 103.  He was a force of nature who made and kept friends all his life.  Loyalty and integrity were his hallmarks.  He was a demanding parent and boss, but also quick to praise.  With him, what you saw was what you got.  He liked just about everybody, but if he didn't you knew it quickly.  L.E. was a lot of fun and epitomized the family motto, "Often wrong, but never in doubt".

L.E. was born on his great grandfather's farm in Bastrop County, Texas, to Ottlea Lee Lowden Davis and Mack Francis Davis, Sr.  The family soon moved to Bartlett, where L.E. grew up.  He remained fast friends with many of his Barlett classmates throughout their lives.  One of those friends, E.A. LImmer, became godfather to both of L.E.'s children, and they remained close until Limmer's death.

After graduating from high school, he attended Temple Junior College for a year, then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin.  There he met Rebecca Ruth Abney ("Bitty") of Lampasas, who captured his heart.  And vice versa.  Theirs was a true love match of mutual devotion.  They were married for 36 years until Bitty's death in 1978.

He joined the Army Air Corps the day after Pearl Harbor on Dec. 8, 1941.  As soon as L.E. completed Advanced Flying School at Ellington Field and got his wings, he and Bitty were married on Dec 10, 1942, in Houston.  They began their married life in Greenville, SC, where L.E. was stationed as an Instructor Pilot at Greenville Army Air Force Base.  While in Greenville, he met John W. Dunn from Woodward, OK, who, along with his family, became lifelong friends and part of L.E.'s trusted coterie.  

In Dec. 1943 L.E. was sent to the South Pacific to join the 69th Squadron, 42nd Bomb Group, 13th Air Force, as the pilot of a B-25.  Over the course of the next 17 months, he flew 77 combat missions.  Bitty wrote him a letter every single day.  He was promoted several times, rising to the rank of Captain, and was awarded the Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, among many other combat decorations.  Some of the great war stories he told were later recorded for posterity by Voices of Veterans, an oral history program of the Texas Veterans Land Board, and told on video for America's War Heroes.

L.E. completed Air Force active duty holding the rank of Major in 1946 and returned to the University of Texas to finish his degree.  He and Bitty lived in Austin for a couple of years while L.E. earned his B.B.A degree, with Honors.  In March of 1949 they moved to Lampasas into the house where L.E. lived for over 70 years.  He went to work for his father-in-law, Carleton Abney, in the Peoples National Bank.  When Mr. Abney was ready to retire in the 1960's, L.E. bought the bank.  He loved the bank, he loved the customers, he loved the employees, and he loved building the business.  He owned and operated the bank profitably until his retirement in 1979, shortly after Bitty's death in 1978.

A man of great energy, in addition to his duties at the bank, L.E. served in the Air Force Reserves and taught at the post-war G.I. School in Lampasas at night.  He was active in the Lions's Club, the Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary's Episcopal Church (serving on the Vestry and as a Diocesan Delegate), coaching Little League teams, and serving on the City Council for the generous remuneration of one silver dollar per year.  He was also involved in the annual Hayloft Party, the predecessor to Spring Ho, and served as an officer of the Texas Banker's Association.  After the devastating flash flood hit Lampasas in 1957, L.E. served on the board of Lampasas County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, where he worked to get the system of flood control dams constructed which protects the community today.

He also loved to play golf and was on the course in Lampasas almost every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  Along with Morris Ellis and others, L.E. was a prime mover in achieving the addition of the second nine holes at Hancock Park Golf Course, where he continued to play into his 80s.  He and Bitty also led an active social life with their many friends, including Floyd W. (Bud) Smith and his family, who remained part of L.E.'s inner circle of allies.

After his retirement he continued to be active, reading (in his sonorous Texas draw) for the Talking Book Program at the State Library for the Blind in Austin for several years.  As his own contemporaries passed away, he made "new young friends", including Terry Eckermann and Marvin DuBose, having coffee with them at the Donut Palace every morning at 5:00 (and cold beer on many evenings).

L.E. (a.k.a "Abuelito" or "Toto") hosted his young grandchildren many summers, ensuring they got to know each other even though they lived far apart. He also visited his Washington grandsons regularly, becoming an integral part of their lives.

Patricia English came into his life in 1979, and while they agreed to disagree on politics, they shared many years of companionship, travel, parties, and great conversations.  Although they never married, they were devoted to each other until Pat's death in 2010.

L.E. is survived by his children, Cynthia (Cindy) Davis Kasin (husband, Jay) of Bellevue, WA, and Carleton A. (Joe) Davis (wife, Gail) of Santa Fe, NM, and his grandchildren, Katherine Lackey (husband, Lyle), Philip Kasin (wife, Kim), Julie Grayson (husband, Rusty), and Paul Kasin.  He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Kate Grayson, Mia Grayson, Liz Lackey, Allie Grayson, Carter Kasin, Avery Kasin, Davis Kasin, MaryLyle Lackey and Violet Lackey.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Bitty, his parents, his brother Mack Francis Davis, Jr., and his grandson, Matthew Davis Kasin.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 501 S. Chestnut St., Lampasas, TX, at noon on Sunday, February 4, 2024.  Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice.