Francis Davis of Corvallis died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 21 2025. He was 93.

Fran moved with his family to Yakima when he was 3 years old. He met and married his high school sweetheart Carol in 1951. The couple was married for 69 years until her death in 2020. They lived in multiple western states as his career postings required.

Fran served in the Air Force in the Korean War and was very proud of having served our country.

Fran started his career as an Air Traffic Controller out of the service. He rose up the ranks becoming Supervisor, Manager, and Chief of multiple Airports, including Houston Texas, where he and Carol enjoyed many friends, hosting parties, and going out for dinner and dancing. He retired from the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) as Assistant Director for the Northwest Region. He was respected and valued by the many people he worked with and mentored during his long career. He also was a licensed private pilot.

In addition to management, Fran was a skilled craftsman. After retiring to Corvallis, he pursued a number of passions. He built furniture, and many bird houses. He worked as a licensed Real Estate agent in Corvallis, at Independent Lumber, and as a local contractor. He built fences, decks, and did remodels and landscaping on his own and his families’ homes. In their 70’s He and Carol built their master bedroom addition!

Fran was an avid and accomplished golfer, starting as a caddy in High School. While living in Houston in the 70’s, he and a partner won a Pro-Am sponsored by Nancy Lopez, LPGA. He was a member of the Corvallis Country Club, and often officiated for women’s golf tournaments there. He had a hole-in-one while a member. He also enjoyed Pilates, attending classes for 20 years, up to the month before his death. He loved hummingbirds, and fed them all year long.

Fran was proceeded in death by his son Dennis and wife Carol. He is survived by his daughter Karen in Corvallis, and sister-in-law Judi Gimlin in Yakima.

His quiet nature, quick laugh and generous spirit will be truly missed.