Captain Robert Vinton Davis

Captain Robert V. Davis, 90, of the Linn Township area passed away on October 8th, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

Robert, or Bob as he was more well known as, was born on May 12, 1933, in Williamson, West Virginia to the late Roy and Elisa (Boldt) Davis.  Bob graduated from Tech High School in Indianapolis, Indiana and after graduation he attended Butler University in Indianapolis.  After college Bob joined the United States Air Force and was a member of the Cadet Class 55-N and he served both the USAF and The Air Force reserves until 1964.  

Bob knew from the start that he wanted to be a pilot.  During his time in the reserves and until his retirement Bob worked for United Airlines.  Bob flew everything from DC-3 to 7474’s.  He was member #103 for the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) and served on the Board of Directors for over 20 years.  Bob held various position in the International Council of Airshows (IACS) including Chairman of the Safety Committee.  

Bob was inducted into the IAC Hall of Fame in 2002, the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame in 2012, and the ICAS Foundation Hall of Fame in 2012.  Bob was also instrumental along with Verne Jobst and Mike Hever in forming the IAC achievement awards program in 1971.

Bob was passionate about all kinds of aviation from general to commercial to aerobatic.  Bob was also passionate about building and maintaining aircraft and the safety of the people involved in these pursuits.    

Above all things Bob valued his family and his friends, who in his eyes, were an extension of his family.

Bob is survived by his wife Michele, who he was united into marriage to on October 15, 2008.  Bob is also survived by his four (4) children: Moira Lee (Saul Espinoza) Davis, Patricia “Trish” Louise (Steve) Davis, Roy Vinton (Shana) Davis, Erin Ann (Mike Halsted) Davis, and Dan (Kathleen) Frey.  Bob is survived by his grandchildren:  Mercedes, Mason, and Austin Mathews, Jonah, Julia, Danielle, and Olivia Davis; Courtney Frey, Heather (Frey) Teeter, Caitlin Crist, Danni Frey, Madeleine Frey, Cecilia Frey and Robert Frey.  Bob is also survived by his sister Louise Collins, Sister-in-law Teresita Davis, and many extended family members.  Bob was preceded in death by his first wife Mary (Gilligan) Davis, his parents Roy and Elsa, and one brother Colonel Roy Lee Davis.

Bob was a teacher, a mentor, and an all around good fellow.

A gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Saturday November 4th, 2023, from the hours of 1:00pm till 4:00pm at Galt Airfield with military honors at 2:00pm.  All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Bob’s name to the  Young Eagles EAA Youth Program,  or a local  IAC (International Aerobatic Club) of your choice.  Links have also been provided below.

To post an online condolence please click the “Share a Memory” box on the left side of your screen.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Robert's name to the EAA Young Eagles.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Robert's family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Captain Robert Vinton Davis, please visit our floral store.