Lester Alva Davis

September 3, 1928 ~ March 7, 2011

Lester Alva Davis, 82, of rural Lakewood, IL, formerly of Mt. Auburn, IL and Morrisonville, IL, died on Monday March 7, 2011 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM March 11, 2011, at Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home, Taylorville, IL. Funeral services will also be held at Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home, Taylorville, IL. at 11 AM Saturday March 12, 2011, burial services with military rites will immediately follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Mt. Auburn, IL. Those wishing to attend are welcome to join the family in a celebration of Lester's life at Community of Christ Church, 321 E. Bidwell, Taylorville, IL., during and following the burial services.

Lester was born on September 3, 1928, son of Alva & Pauline (Stephens) Davis of rural Mt. Auburn. He married Parmelia Ann "Annie" Bates on April 4, 1952, in Taylorville, IL. Lester served in the US Navy from 1947-1949 and was stationed on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. He is best known for his long time portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln throughout Central IL. and the Midwest. He was previously employed by New Products of Taylorville and retired from CF Industries of Cowden in 2003. He loved to fish, camp, and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his children: Ronald and Donald Davis of Lakewood, IL.; Susan Studer of Shelbyville, IL.; and Cathy Coe and husband, Bill of Belton, TX.; grandchildren: Shelly Miller of shelbyville, IL; Joseph Jeffers of Shelbyville, IL.; John Ellis of Taylorville, IL.; Amanda Ellis and fiance, Lindsay, of Shelbyville, IL.; and Michael Ellis and fiance, Amy, of Belton, TX.; great-grandchildren; Cloey, Deavin, Jade, Lyris, Skyler and Gunner; sister Fern Ann Hill of Terre Haute, IN., and brother Vern Davis and wife, Pat, of West Winfield, NY. As well as many "adopted" children and grandchildren who he considered family.

He was reunited in heaven with his wife, Annie, parents, brother Lloyd, sister Ione, and his son Lester "Bub" Davis.

Memorial can be made to the family or to the American Lung Association.