Robert A. Davis

Robert Allen Davis, 73, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2013 with his family by his side at the IOOF Nursing Home in Mason City, Iowa. Robert was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor in December and fought a courageous 13 week battle. Memorial services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial to the Robert A Davis Memorial Trust in care of his wife Eloise. Robert was born March 15th, 1939 to Russell and Vivian (Cunningham) Davis. Along with brother, Jim and sister Nancy the Davis Family also lived in Cresco and Perry, Iowa. Robert graduated from Perry High School in 1957 and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa where he participated in track and football and was a vocal and trumpet major. Robert received his Masters Degree in Vocal Music from Drake University in 1967. Robert was united in marriage to Eloise (Soma) on June 9th, 1963 in Belmond, Iowa. This June Robert and Eloise would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Robert was the vocal music instructor at Belmond and Boone High School before he became the Director of Choral Activities at North Iowa Area Community College in 1974. During his tenure at NIACC, he was instrumental in changing the lives of countless students. He was a teacher, mentor, role model, father figure and friend. Robert retired from NIACC in 2001. Robert is responsible for creating NIACC Singers, North Iowa Choral Society and Quodlibet. He managed the NIACC Auditorium for many years. He served as the President of the North Central Choral Directors. He was instrumental in starting the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) and the ICDA Summer Symposium held in Mason City every summer. Robert also held many positions in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and was a former member of the North Iowa Concert Band. He organized the Pride of Iowa Choral which traveled and performed throughout Europe in the 80s. Robert served on the NIACC Board of Directors from 2007 to 2012 and also on the Board of Directors of Stebens Children’s Theater. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church from 1974-2012 where he often volunteered as an usher, reader, musician and board member. Robert received the Robert McGowan Award for education excellence in 1988 and the Iowa Outstanding Music Educator Award in 1995. Robert judged music contest for Iowa All State for many years. Robert enjoyed anything NIACC related. He was found at numerous NIACC events, but especially enjoyed supporting the athletic program. He was once referred to as the “unofficial assistant men’s basketball coach”. Most recently you could find him spending time on the track and visiting with the NIACC coaching staff. He enjoyed volunteering as the ticket master for the sporting events. Robert was an avid runner and was always proud of his daily 4 miles. Robert greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He appreciated good food, a good Toyota, any dog, lounging in the sun and a dandelion free yard. Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years Eloise; son Paul Davis of Mason City; daughter Kristin (Brian) Hummel of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter Andrea (John) Crites also of Fort Myers; brother Jim (Madonna) Davis of Minneapolis; sister Nancy (Will) Rathert of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Sydney and Jordan Hummel, Alexia and Kayla Davis and Gabe Helland; step-grandchildren, several in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Vivian Davis.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Robert A. Davis memorial fund in care of the family.

Visitation:
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Service:
Memorial services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating.