Laddie Davis "Sarge"

Laddie F. Davis “Sarge”, 94, passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of Elbert Weil Davis and Bertha Luetta Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Corvis  and David Davis, his adopted brother, Frank H. Horvat and Richard T. and Gloria Adante, his beloved sister. He is survived by nephews, Richard (Maria) Adante, David (Laura) Adante and Thomas (Judy) Adante; niece, Jeanette Schmitt, as well as, grandnieces, Courtney, Nicole and Kristin Adante, grandnephew, Rick Adante and great-grandnieces, Natalie and Isabella Adante. Laddie also leaves behind scores of friends who will greatly miss him. After graduating from East High School, Laddie worked in the restaurant industry in Akron until he enlisted in the Army in 1951. He served in both the Korean Conflict and completed two tours in Vietnam. During his twenty-three years of service, he spent eleven years on various overseas deployments and retired in 1974. His service continued after retirement and included membership in the Magic City Kiwanis Club of Barberton, where he participated in many community projects, oftentimes serving the needs of children. As a volunteer for Barberton’s Magical Theatre Company, he worked behind the scenes utilizing his woodworking and furniture refinishing talents. He also willingly served as an all-around handyman to any family member, friend or neighbor in need. It has been said that “it’s when you’re acting selflessly that you are at your bravest”. To those who knew him, Laddie was the bravest man they ever met. Laddie was also no stranger to the joys of life. Perhaps his favorite pastime was tending to his large garden, where he loved “digging in the dirt”, and afterwards enjoying a few beers on his patio with friends Bob, Jack, Art and Barry and whoever else happened to drop by.  (Sarge, we’ll miss your garlic!)  Laddie’s favorite travel destination was Las Vegas, where he’d love sitting at a video poker machine and ordering “free” beers (He even won a jackpot!).  Always a hardy eater, Laddie looked forward to joining family and friends at the table for a picnic or a holiday meal, where he entertained everyone with his reminisces and recitations (He could still recite “Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendall Holmes, a poem he memorized in high school!). During the colder days when he couldn’t enjoy the outdoors, he relaxed with his cats, while watching sports or the news. Laddie loved his country as much as he did his family and friends.  Sarge, our hearts are playing “Taps”. The family wishes to acknowledge nurses, Jen, Cheryl and Kit at Traditions Hospice Care for their kindness and professional care. Also, they wish to extend their deepest appreciation to Kayla, Denise, Theresa and Melissa, the caregiver ladies from Home Instead, and a special thank you to Mary Jackson from Home Instead, who continued to be a loyal companion and friend to Laddie for sixteen years. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton with Fr. Dave Stavarz officiating. Inurnment will follow with military honors at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Magic City Kiwanis Club of Barberton, PO Box 561, Barberton, OH 44203 or to the Magical Theatre Company at 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave, Barberton, OH 44203.

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