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Obituary

Ervin Davis

CHARLO – Ervin Davis, longtime Charlo resident, passed away Sunday, July 26, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Dad was born May 3, 1926, at home, the second of four children, on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Jenks, Oklahoma, to E.K. and Inez (Hupp) Davis. 

Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, the family farm was given to foreclosure in 1930. The family then moved to Tulsa and took up residence in a home inherited from E.K.’s parents. Times were tough and it was almost impossible to scratch out a decent living. In 1934, the family moved to Cut Bank, Montana, as Inez’s brother lived there, and work was available in the oil fields. The family lived with the Hupp family, until a renovated chicken house became available. Dad and his family lived in it for three years, until E.K. could build a new house, which still stands today.

In school, Dad was a good athlete and student. He graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1944. Dad enrolled in the Navy prior to graduation and went on active duty immediately after graduation. He went to boot camp in Farragut, Idaho, and then to radio operator’s school, ending up sending and receiving radio messages on Eniwetok Atoll, in the South Pacific for the remainder of the war. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dad went to Colorado to help a brother and his father build a distribution center in Rangeley. Dad’s folks decided to stay in Colorado, so Dad and his brother Ray went to Chicago to attend the Coyne Electrical School. After Coyne, Dad enrolled at Mesa College in Grand Junction, which was only a two-year school. While in Mesa, Dad spotted a cute waitress in the Mesa Drugstore, and she could fix Dad the perfect strawberry milkshake. The rest is history. He married Irene Kobel in Grand Junction on June 19, 1949.

After Mesa College, Dad and Mom were off to Denver so Dad could attend Denver University, and then later they moved to Greeley to attend Colorado State College of Education where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. After receiving his degree Dad and Mom moved to Fruita, Colorado, to begin teaching. 

Dad then received notice of a teaching/coaching position in Charlo, Montana. He applied and was accepted and began teaching in Charlo the next year. 

Starting in 1951, Dad and Mom spent the rest of their lives in Charlo. Dad later earned his Masters’ Degree at the University of Montana. Dad retired from the school system in 1983, completing his career as a teacher, a principal, and the superintendent of schools. After retirement Dad went on the road selling educational materials to schools, covering a four-state area. 

After leaving Grolier Corp., Dad started a successful engraving business, which he later sold. Dad believed in education. He provided scholarships to lucky seniors at Charlo High School for many years.

Dad ran as a Democratic candidate and was elected to serve in the Montana State Legislature, representing his district. He proudly served two terms. 

Dad and Mom supported Art Aylesworth, founder of what is now known as Mountain Bluebird Trails, Inc. After Mom and Art passed away, Dad continued to be a dedicated supporter. He spent countless hours building, setting up trails, banding, and educating school children about bluebirds. 

Dad was a dedicated volunteer at the National Bison Range. Whether volunteering at the Visitors’ Center or running a gate during roundup, Dad was there, until his health prevented him from volunteering.

Dad traveled to Costa Rica, Switzerland, and loved to fish in Alaska. He enjoyed his fishing trips into the Bob Marshall. Dad said he lived a very full life, with the best 46 years being spent with Mom.

Dad leaves behind three children: Lynda Lockwood (Denny), Diana Russell (Phillip), and Mike; three grandchildren, Brandon Lockwood, Stephanie Brown, and Corina Horstman; and two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Shaeley Brown. Two of Dad’s brothers, Tom (Connie) and Ray (Wanda) also survive him.

Mom; a grandson, Brian Peel; and a sister, Telpha Foxhoven all predecease Dad.

Cremation has taken place. Dad wanted a “Last Get-Together” at Leon Hall, outside of Charlo.

The “Last Get-Together“ will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 p.m. 

 

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