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Frank Edwin Davis, 88, devoted husband and loving father, passed away Friday, December 29, 2006, after a year long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death in 1998 by his loving wife of 57 years, Jennie Lee Davis. He is survived by his son, William B. Davis and fiancee, Janet Lyden of Albuquerque; his beloved daughter, Beverly Beebe and son-in-law, Elmer Beebe; grandsons, Timothy Beebe, Lloyd Beebe, both of Albuquerque and Stewart Beebe; granddaughters, Laura Weaver, and Shawna Gold all of West Virginia; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Frank was born in 1918 in Cimarron, NM into a northern New Mexico pioneer family, which included his father, William B. Davis, his son's namesake, who was the sheriff of Colfax County for much of the 1920s and '30s, and later a well known businessman in Springer, NM. Frank returned this Labor Day to Cimarron for Cimarron Days to see his birth place and childhood home for the last time. He and Jennie Lee called Albuquerque their home both before and after World War II, where they raised their two children, Bill and Beverly. For the past 16 months, Frank aka Poncho was a resident of La Vida Llena Life Care Center in Albuquerque, which he fondly called "the ranch." Frank served with honor in WWII and was a disabled veteran and retired Santa Fe Rail Road conductor. Having both retired in their early sixties, Frank and Jennie Lee had 17 good years of traveling the world on many trips. However, they most liked their many camping trips with their RV Club, the Manzanita Sams. Frank was a devout Christian and member of the First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, although he most recently attended the weekly Vespers Services at La Vida Llena during the time of his residency. In spite of his rapidly progressing disease, he spread hope, good cheer, and joy to other residents and staff alike. His family, many friends, and LVL staff will greatly miss his daily greeting of "What's cooking?" which provoked many a smile and a multitude of humorous responses. Frank's positive attitude, loving, and generous spirit as well as his courage and triumphs in overcoming his many ongoing health issues brought hope and encouragement to everyone around him. He was truly an inspiration to all that knew him and loved him. He enjoyed his final Christmas at "the ranch" surrounded by his family and friends. Give us that little wave, go with God, and at last, be in good health and peace, Daddy. We love you, and have faith that we will see you and mother again some day. Contributions may be made in his name to either the La Vida Llena Foundation, 10501 Lagrima de Oro NE, 87111, which assists other less fortunate elderly residents to pay their healthcare costs, or the American Cancer Society of Albuquerque, Attn: Lorraine West, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 300, 87111. Services will be held Friday, January 5, 2007, 11:00 a.m., at Del Norte Baptist Church, 5800 Montgomery Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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