Gary S. Davis

Gary S. Davis passed away February 8, 2023 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, NE after a brief illness. He was born July 2, 1941 in Atlantic, Iowa to Glen and Carrie Davis and died at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 6 days. Gary attended Atlantic Public Schools in Atlantic, Iowa graduating in May, 1959. He attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa (1959 – 1963) graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.

Gary met the love of his life, Sharon Elaine Anderson, while attending Iowa State University; they were married November 24, 1962. To this marriage of 60 years, 2 months and 15 days were born two daughters, Stephanie Renee and Jill Suzanne both of whom attended Iowa State University.

Following graduation from Iowa State University Gary was employed by Wilson & Co. (1963-1966) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Structural Clay Products Institute (1966-1969) in Ames, Iowa, Can Tex Industries (1969-1972) in Des Moines, Iowa and Endicott Clay Products Co. (1972-2015) of Fairbury, Nebraska. He retired in January, 2016 following 43 years as Sales Manager/V. P. of Sales with Endicott Clay Products Co. and 57 years in the brick industry. Gary dedicated his business life to Endicott and the brick industry, leaving an indelible mark of accomplishment serving for 43 years on the Board of Directors of the Brick Industry Association (including many committee chairmanships and officer positions), and 57 years as a member of The American Society for Testing and Materials. In 2008 Gary received the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award granted by the Brick Industry Association for his dedicated service to the brick industry. At a retirement party in October, 2015 he was recognized by the industry for these accomplishments, and in his remarks he stated “that if Endicott Clay Products Co. and the brick industry were somehow better off because I passed through then I am indeed happy”. The same can be said for his church, his community and his country.

Gary was a member of Palestine Lutheran Church of rural Huxley, Iowa from 1962 – 1985 and American Lutheran Church of Fairbury, Nebraska from 1985 - 2023. He served on Church Councils, Trustee Boards, the American Lutheran Church Foundation and various committees.

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  He lived his life with integrity, generosity, kindness, and faith.  He was a mentor to many and friend to even more.  His great devotion to his wife Sharon and his family, filled his heart with love and pride.  He enjoyed his retirement spending time outdoors and attending his grandchildren’s activities.  We will miss his smile, his sparkling eyes and his guidance as the rock for our family.

Survivors include:

• Wife Sharon of Fairbury, Nebraska
• Daughter Stephanie Sacco (Joe) of Omaha, Nebraska
• Daughter Jill Davis of Fairbury, Nebraska
• Granddaughter Paige Boeckner (Ross) of Fairbury, Nebraska
• Grandson Garrett Sacco (Amy) of Omaha, Nebraska.
• Grandson Alexander Plummer of Grand Island, Nebraska.
• Grandson Noah Sacco of Sioux City, Iowa.
• Great grandchildren Wynn, Dorothy, June, and Kix Boeckner of Fairbury, Nebraska
• Sister Sharon Jensen of Atlantic, Iowa
• Sister Connie Wailes (Denny) of Atlantic, Iowa
• Sister-in-law Carolyn Davis of Elliott, Iowa
• Sister-in-law Sandra Kalsem of Ames, Iowa
• Brother-in-law David Anderson (Margret) of Huxley, Iowa
• Nieces, nephews and countless friends

He was preceded in death by:

• His parents Glen and Carrie Davis
• Sister Phyllis Schimelfenig (Bob)
• Brother Ronald (Mary)
• Brother Darrel

Memorial services will be held Monday, February 13, 2023, at 10:30 am at American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Nebraska with internment at a later date. Memorials will be designated to family’s choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.