Frank Lisle Davis
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Frank Lisle Davis, age 77, of Santa Paula, CA, died Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at home. He was born in Moultonborough, NH, to Fred E. and Dorothy W. Davis on July 6, 1943. Frank grew up in Moultonborough and dearly loved its mountains, woodlands and Lake Winnipesaukee. His dad taught him a strong work ethic and a love of fishing and hunting. His mom instilled in him an interest in politics and an appreciation for antique American Brilliant cut, cranberry and art glass. Frank loved Moultonborough and returned here yearly for as long as his health allowed.
Frank graduated from Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith, NH, in 1961. He attended University of New Hampshire, and then transferred and graduated from Porterville College, in CA, with an AA degree in Business Administration. Frank began working for Sunkist Growers, Inc. following graduation and eventually became the Sunkist Santa Paula packing house manager for many years. Following his retirement from Sunkist, Frank was a skilled and successful car salesman for Gould Ford and other local car dealerships. He also farmed oranges for many years and if the temperature dropped too low, he and his wife Linda would be manning the smudge pots throughout the night. Linda's death on Oct. 2, 2015, was Frank's deepest sorrow.
Frank was a physically slight man with a larger than life presence. He soon adapted to the western lifestyle, always sporting a Stetson hat and exotic leather boots. He was a sportsman who excelled at shooting trap. He also loved both ocean and fresh water fishing. Frank had an infectious laugh and a mischievous nature which led his beloved Linda to call him her "Duende." Frank developed a passion for cars as a teenager, and he and his best friend since high school, Dave Ladd, shared many car related adventures. Frank was a "child" of the 60s, who delighted in rock music and attended hundreds of live concerts during his lifetime.
Frank was active in the Loyal Order of Moose in both Santa Paula and Ventura. He was a strong supporter of U.S. Veterans and for many years enjoyed placing a wreath during Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. Frank was generous and frequently reached out to persons in need.
Frank cared deeply about his family and others. He maintained a loving relationship with his parents and both his sisters. He fiercely protected his younger sister, Diane, when they were growing up from any childhood cruelties. Her son Fred, sadly recently deceased, as a child called Frank his "Hero." Frank held the hand of his older sister, Freda, as she passed away in her home in 2007. Frank cared for his cherished Linda at home until her passing. Frank and his stepdaughter from a youthful first marriage continued to maintain a caring relationship. Frank also had deep and lasting friendships throughout the years.
Following the death of his much loved spouse in 2015, Frank's health deteriorated and he needed increased medical and home care. Frank's family wishes to thank Gary Deutsch, MD and Cynthia Lopez, RN, of Dignity Medical Group and Frank's caregivers: Julia Antonia and Grace de La Cruz. Your care helped Frank to live independently the life that he desired.
Frank is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Josiah Bartlett; his nephew, Fred Hacker's widow, Laura Hacker, and their children: Fiona, Duncan and Ian Hacker; his niece Juliet Broussard, her husband Tom Broussard and their daughter, Alyson Broussard; his niece Lori Magee and nephew R.S. Shakespeare; his stepdaughter, Deneise Rohlfing Irby, and her mother, Ruth Baker-Mason; and many
members of his wife's family, including Carol Villa, sister-in-law, nephew Patrick Villa and niece Lora Blackshear.
Frank is predeceased by his wife, Linda (Barbara) Davis; by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Davis; his sister Freda Shakespeare; his nephew, Dr. Fred L. Hacker; his father-in-law, Joe Villa; and brother-in-law, Robert Villa.
A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 1:00 PM, at the Church of Angels, 600 East Pleasant Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.