Michael Frank Davis, 69, of Sorento, died on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at his residence.
A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
Mr. Davis was born Oct. 22, 1954, in Litchfield, the son of Eldon and Dorothy (Joplin) Davis. He was a Bond County native, having grown up in the Sorento area, and attended the local schools long enough to earn his driver’s license, the family says.
Mr. Davis moved to St. Louis for a time but returned to Sorento years later. Highland Machine and Screw is where he spent his working years as a machinist. Mr. Davis met and helped raise a family with his love, Barbara Starwalt, whom he spent the last 20 years of his life with.
Mr. Davis did not like being told what to do and he would put up a stink about doing it, but was the kindest, most giving man one could know. His stubborn streak and ornery ways belied his kind heart. People loved Mr. Davis and he loved people, from all walks of life and backgrounds. He had a hand in raising a lot of kids, and in many of those relationships, there wasn’t even a shared blood line. Mr. Davis was a royal jokester, and the type of guy that would spoil the kids, sugar them up and send them home.
Being an adventurer, Mr. Davis enjoyed being outside (he was always quick with a wave to passersby’s) and activities such as hunting. He really loved being on his motorcycle most of all. He was a good ole boy who loved classic rock, motorcycles and his family. He was Harley man through and through, hard pressed to find not wearing a Harley T-shirt.
Cooking and eating, were other enjoyments of Mr. Davis’. He absolutely loved a good Chinese buffet, never passing up on the opportunity to have crab legs. He liked to be in the kitchen too, getting creative with ingredients, no matter where they were found, and whipping up a good meal for him and his friends. Sanchos and homemade pizza were crowd favorites.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Dorothy; sisters, Judith Devaisher and Jane Davis-Byrd; and stepson, Michael Williams.
He is survived by his special friend, Barbara Starwalt of Sorento; stepchildren, Matthew Blanton of Coffeen, Nicholas Starwalt of Litchfield and Kari Davis of Gaffney, SC; grandchildren, Aiden Blanton, Mika Davidson, Janie Davidson, Wyatt, Oden, Elijah and Violet Starwalt; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be mailed to: American Heart Association, 12400 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63141. The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies. Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
