Paul "Punky" D. Davis

Paul “Punky” D. Davis, Sr., age 84, of Arden Hills, died on Friday, April 5, at Langton Shores in Roseville after a brief battle with cancer.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Paul and beloved wife, Mavis will be interred together at nearby Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Paul Douglas Davis was born in Willmar, MN on June 23, 1939, to Robert and Ruth (Larson) Davis and was graced with the nickname Punky by Grandma Larson. Paul had fond memories growing up in Willmar including playing football, farming with his uncle, and shenanigans with his best friend Roger. Paul graduated from Willmar High School in 1958 and went on to have a successful sales career in the manufacturing and hospitality industries. After retirement, he transported many as a school bus driver and Washburn County Veteran Services driver.

Paul married Mavis Williams on August 3, 1967, and they were married for 32 years. Together, they raised a family and enjoyed many adventures including dancing, travel, and boat rides on the lake.

Paul loved to laugh, tell stories, and occasionally sing when there was a piano. He spent many years hunting, coin collecting, and cheering on the Vikings. In retirement, he especially loved participating in bowling and golfing leagues after moving to Arden Hills. Paul took great pride in his family and one of his greatest joys was being a grandpa.

Paul was loved and will be missed by his children, Deborah Francis, Paul Davis, Jr., Melissa (Joshua) Collins, and Melinda (Jason Barth) Davis; grandchildren, Jennifer Vermillion, Larisa (Raymond Perkins) Glick, Henry, Dominic, Charlie, and Evan; and great grandchildren; Ava, Alexis, Amaya, Brynn, and Faye; sister Shirley (Roger) Martin, and former wife, Gertrude (Ritz) Blue. Paul loved his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mavis, parents, brothers Robert and Richard Davis, best friends Roger Martin and Eugene Evans, brother-in-law Irv Kuester, and sister-in-law, Evonne Davis.

Paul’s family would like to extend thanks to his excellent care team at MHealth Fairview and Presbyterian Homes.