Philip K Davis

Philip K. Davis, 83 of Carbondale, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at his home. He was born August 29, 1931 in Effingham to Charles and Mary (Perring) Davis. He grew up the youngest of 6 on a farm attending school in a one room school house. He graduated from Effingham High School in 1949. After one year of college, he joined the Air Force where he served from 1951-1955. When he returned home pining over a young woman from Fort Worth, Texas; his father wisely advised him to "go get that girl and marry her." Phillip married Elizabeth Lasater on May 19, 1955. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Philip attended the University of Texas in Austin where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. He then accepted a job for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, but soon discovered that teaching was his true calling. He then attended the University of Michigan earning a Master’s and PHD in Fluid Mechanics. He taught at SIU from 1964 to 1993 and was chairman of the department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics during much of that time. He was not only a teacher but a mentor to many students. As much as Philip loved to teach engineering, his truest passion became teaching others about Christ. He was active in Grand Avenue Christian Church as an Elder for many years. He enjoyed teaching Bible Studies and spent much time comforting, counseling and serving others. Many people looked to him as a father in the Christian faith. Philip enjoyed making crosses out of nails which he gave to anyone who asked and more recently he authored a booklet, "the Most Important Decision of All", to share with others the love and forgiveness of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. He was so blessed to receive testimonies of people being touched by the truths in his booklet. Philip was a true example of a Godly husband, father and grandfather. We know that he has gone home to be with his Lord, but he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Davis of Carbondale; 2 precious daughters, Lisa (Michael) Lipe of Little Rock, AR; Sheila Davis of Louisville, KY; 2 wonderful grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua Lipe of Little Rock, AR; a sister and brother, Beulah Brown and Warren Davis, of Vandalia; a sister-in-law, Ruth Davis of Ft. Myers, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Kenneth Davis and Noble Davis and a sister, Mildred Hall. Visitation will be Friday, June 26, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Grand Avenue Christian Church in Carbondale and on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10:00 am until the hour of the service. Funeral Services for Philip K. Davis will be Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 11:00 am at Grand Avenue Christian Church in Carbondale with Rev. Jon Hughes and Rev. Doug Cherry officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Full Military Rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grand Avenue Christian Church and /or Active Ministry, c/o Grand Avenue Christian Church. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Philip K Davis

August 29, 1931 - June 23, 2015