Ronnie B. Davis

Ronnie B. Davis, 72, of Chetopa, passed away at 4:50 a.m., Friday, April 6, 2018 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

The son of James Franklin "Jim" and Neva (Hayward) Davis was born December 12, 1945 in Columbus, Kansas.  Ronnie grew up in Chetopa where he attended schools and graduated in 1963 from Chetopa High School.

He started working at a young age at Hershel Arnold's Barber Shop sweeping the shop and shining shoes. He then worked at Wedding's IGA in Chetopa and later at BF Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma until its closing.  At that time, he moved his family back to Chetopa where they owned and operated Dave's Good Food until selling it five years later.  He then worked for the City of Chetopa doing various jobs including being a patrolman.  Most recently he worked for the Labette County Sheriff's Department as a deputy until retiring in 2009.

Ronnie proudly served in the United States Army in Vietnam and was a life member of the Chetopa Memorial VFW Post #10508.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, going to casinos, and gardening.

He and Virginia Purcell were married October 28, 1972 in Chetopa.  Ronnie was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include:

His loving wife of 45 years – Virginia Davis, of the home

Daughters – Angela Forquer and her husband, Sean, of Chetopa, KS

Julie Fecke of Chetopa, KS

Grandchildren – Kara Fecke, Josh Fecke, and Connor Forquer

Brothers – His twin Lonnie Davis and his wife, Judy, of Miami, OK

Sandy Davis and his wife, Maggy, of Clarksville, TN

Jack Davis and his wife, Mary of Jonesborough, TN

Mother-in-law – Ruth Miller of Chetopa, KS

Brothers-in-law – Jim Purcell and his wife, Connie, of Broken Arrow, OK

John Purcell and his wife, Sharon of Wapanucka, OK

Homer Purcell of Tulsa, OK

Ronnie Purcell of Tulsa, OK

Sister-in-law – Marilyn Mayfield and her husband, Mike of Chetopa, KS

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Caleb Forquer; sisters, Dorothy Fessler and Shirley Thompson; and brothers, Marvin, Darrell and Donnie Davis and Manley Fulkerson, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.  The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House in Joplin.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.