Ronald Gene Davis, 76, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 at the University Missouri Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri.

Born May 2, 1940 in Stahl, Missouri, Ronald was the son of the late Donald Loren and Ruby Leotta (Rouse) Davis. On November 18, 1977 in Novinger, Missouri, Ronald was united in marriage to Thelma Pickett.

Ronald is survived by his wife Thelma of thirty-nine years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Thad and Veronica Pickett of Pella, IA, and Neil and Pam Pickett of Columbia, MO; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Debbie and Jim Applegate of Kirksville, MO, Carolyn and Scott Buch of Fairfield, IA, Lisa and Peanut Frank of Columbia, MO, Susan and Kurt Hamilton of LaPlata, MO, and Radonna (Pickett) Daniels of LaPlata, MO; sixteen grandchildren, Aaron Lawrence, Amy Stott, Joe Applegate, Hayden Frank, Connor Frank, Keaton Hamilton, Blaine Daniels, Travis Daniels, Derek Harszy, Shane Pickett, Tristan Pickett, Blake Pickett, Monica Pickett, Joe Parker, Clinton Parker and Jennifer Parker; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother Roger Davis of Novinger, MO, and one sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Alva Martin of Novinger, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sarah in infancy; one brother, Edgar Loren Davis and one great-granddaughter in infancy.

Ron worked at Adair R-1 Novinger School for almost 40 years as a mechanic and bus driver. He also worked summers at the Novinger Cemetery with his best friend Wendell. He enjoyed his many trips with family and friends and enjoyed stock car races. Ron dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking them mushroom hunting and deer hunting. He had many special years with his Dear wife, Thelma. Ron will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.

Public visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville, with Pastor Darrell Crooks officiating. Interment will follow the service at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger, MO.

Pallbearers will be Terry Martin, Loren Martin, Kevin Blackorby, Scott Martin, Aaron Lawrence, and Travis Stott.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Thelma Davis Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.