Donald "Don" Cook Davis
March 7, 1927 ~ November 24, 2021
Donald Cook Davis, age 94, of Palestine, Texas, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, the 24th day of November 2021. Mr. Davis was born on the 7th day of March 1927, to parents Lennie Lee Davis and Ruth Cook Davis.
Mr. Davis was raised in Palestine and attended Palestine schools throughout his education. Mr. Davis graduated from Palestine High School in 1944 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949 from Baylor University. Upon earning his bachelor's degree, he went on to obtain his master's degree from Stephen F. Austin University in 1953.
After graduating high school, Mr. Davis served in the United States Army during World War II. He served from 1945 to 1946 in the European Theater, 640th Engineer Battalion, and U. S. Army Reserves from 1946 to 1949. Upon being honorably discharged, Mr. Davis had achieved the Rank of Technical Sergeant 3rd Class.
Mr. Davis was employed by Palestine I.S.D. for 37 years, as a teacher, principal and finally as Assistant Superintendent over Maintenance and Transportation. After retiring in 1988, he became a real estate broker, associated with Combined Associates Real Estate, and owned and operated a ranch in Montalba, Texas from 1953-1975. Mr. Davis taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Palestine for 25 years, serving on numerous church committees. He was also a member of Palestine Rotary Club for more than 45 years. Among his greatest achievements was his dedication to his faith, family and the hundreds of parents and students he mentored throughout his lifetime.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lennie Davis (12/07/1936) and Ruth Davis (09/18/1998), older brother L.L. (Johnny) Davis (04/08/2011), sons Drew Davis and Dwyatt Davis, son-in-law Jerry Miller, and grandson Andy Ganster.
Mr. Davis is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jean Davis; three daughters, Donna Ganster (Alan) of Houston, TX, Jamie Miller of Palestine, TX, and Leslie Henson (Tim) of Garland, TX; grandchildren, Allison Faterkowski (Jason), Lindsay Smith, Lance Miller (Katie), Granville Davis, Connor Henson; three great-grandchildren, Robert Smith, Landon Faterkowski, and Emerson Faterkowski. Mr. Davis also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Davis is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday the 28th day of November 2021 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in Palestine City Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family, beginning one hour prior to the start of service, at Rhone Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Donald Cook Davis are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
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So very sorry at Don’s passing and sent my love and prayers to family! Jean my heart is so sad for you! Love Joy Brumley
Mr. Davis was my Principal at Alamo School and also my 6th grade teacher. Loved him and thought so much of him. So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this time.
Mr. Davis was such a positive role model in my life. He came with a bonus of Miss Jean, and Leslie was a dear childhood friend. Although it’s difficult to see that he’s passed on, it’s a blessing to have known such a jewel. About now he’s reuniting with a host of friends and teachers who adored him. Tell mom hello for me. Hugs and love to Jean, Jamie and Leslie
We are praying for everyone. Love, Marilyn and Joe Ed
Jean and Jamie,
I just heard about Don today and send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Although its been quite a while ago, I still remember most fondly from my time at Story the years spent with the two of you there, along with our fearless leaders, Diane, Nikki, and Rick. Thinking of you all now with love, Nancy
Dear Mrs. Donna Davis Ganster and family,
Words offer little comfort; however, having lost my father, 2 sisters, and, in August 2019,my 98 year old mother, I have some understanding of the loss you feel. I didnt know your father, nonetheless, I choose to believe that he eagerly accepted the awesome responsibilities of fatherhood. Fathers can be kind, considerate, compassionate, loving, funny, charming, amazing, caring, and soft spoken, yet; strong, supportive, firm, reassuring, and protective when necessary.
Your fathers servant heart was evident, in the military, ministry, school, community and on the job. Long life is promised in scripture as a blessing from God for good works. It’s certain that 94 years qualifies. I choose to honor your fathers memory as one of Gods good and faithful servants.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss.
Your Classmate and Christian Brother, Sam Davis
Scripture: Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
So sorry for your loss and yet his life’s legacy lives on in his family, friends and students. His gift of encouragement lives on. In my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Joyce Sheffer