Otto (Pug) Davis

Otto (Pug) Davis
May 7, 1925 ~ September 1, 2017

On the morning of September 1st, at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 24 days, Pug Davis mad his transition from this physical world and began the next phase of his spiritual journey while holding hand with his wife of 68 years, Betty (Stafford) Davis, along with two of his daughters.
Born in southwestern Illinois and raised on a farm with his parents, Harry and Anna, brothers, Bill and Jake, and two sisters Ruby and Betty Jean, he learned the value of family and hard work. His family moved to California and later returned to the farm in Illinois. As education was a high priority to Pug, he and his brother Bill stayed in California with an uncle to finish High School and begin Junior College. In 1943, Pug joined the U.S. Navy and was sent to the University of Texas in Austin, to study electrical engineering. Pug served his country honorably as an Electronics Technician’s Mate Second Class aboard the USS LSM-54 in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign where he was awarded the Bronze Star. At the end of WWII, he returned to Austin, TX to complete his education. It was there he met and married Betty Joyce Stafford of Port Arthur, TX on May 28th, 1949 and they hiked through their 68 years together enjoying many “expositions”. Born to this union were three daughters, Connie Davis of Cisco, TX; Sharon (Gary) Matney of Ridgway, CO; an Linda (Alan) Henn of Starkville, MS. In 1950 they moved to Midland, TX and Pug worked in the oil industry as an engineer until his retirement.
Pug and Betty made their first trip to Ouray, CO in 1959 and came back every chance they got. They fulfilled their lifelong dream of living in the San Juan Mountains by moving there in April, 1989. Throughout Pug’s life he pursed his interest in rock hunting and lapidary work, silversmith and jewelry work, camping, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, traveling, and anything outdoors. He was never idle for long before another adventure was planned.
Family who will miss Pug are his wife, Betty; three daughters; two grandchildren, Dominic and Katrina Henn of Starkville, MS; his sister, Betty Jean and sister-in-law, Gertrude, both of Illinois; and a niece and nephew. His grandson, Shawn, preceded him in death.
At his request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Anyone wishing to share a good story or remembrance are welcome to call or visit the family home. The family would like to thank HopeWest of Montrose for their Divine intervention at this time in Pug’s life and ask that any Memorial Contributions be sent to HopeWest Hospice at 725 South 4th Street, Montrose, CO 81401. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com