Dale Davis, Jr.

Dale W. Davis, Jr. passed away at home on Sunday, April 7th, with his family.

Dale was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late Dale W. Davis, Sr. and Barbra Davis.  He was raised on the family farm with his older sister and brother in Scotts, Michigan.  He met his wife Rita in high school, and they had two sons during their 58 years of marriage.

Dale “Butch” was a professional truck driver.  His career spanned several decades, including driving for Clark Equipment, Vaughn Trucking, and Consolidate Freight (CF).  At Clark Equipment, he would drive the Battle Creek to Detroit route, and became friends with several vendors and other drivers, and was a regular at Arlene’s and the 110 Truck Stop.  At CF, he enjoyed more local routes delivering to customers in and around the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas.

Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a talented fabricator and welder.  He restored cars, tractors, and trucks.  With his Allis Chalmers tractors, he would attend shows and local parades.  Dale participated in the 300-mile run to La Porte and the crossing at Mackinac Bridge.

He and his wife Rita often traveled to South Carolina to visit relatives and friends.  Dale and his friend, David, began purchasing cars from the South to bring to Michigan.  Dozens of car enthusiasts appreciated their efforts. Dale kept some cars that he restored and showed for many years.  

Later in life, Dale and Rita stayed closer to home and helped with grandchildren while also caring for Dale's mother, Barb, until her passing.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darlene Rowlson.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Stewart; grandchildren, Katelyn and Kristina; and five great-grandchildren.

The family wants to thank all the friends and neighbors who helped in Dale’s time of need.

Visitation will be from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 205 East Maple Street, Climax, MI 49034. Burial will follow at Gilson Cemetery with Pastor Paul Bessler officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Dale W. Davis, Jr. to the Pride of Scotts Community Center, 8450 36th Street South, Scotts, Michigan. 

To view Dale’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com