IVAN O. DAVIS

LIBERTY – On May 28, 2005, Ivan O. Davis, of Liberty, passed into the presence of the Lord. Born Feb. 2, 1916, on a small farm in Union, Ivan was the son of a farmer and evangelistic preacher. He greatly appreciated his family heritage in Liberty and the Davis family property, which he inherited from his grandfather. In 1941, he married LaVerne Howard (1921-1953), and they had two children, Ivan A. and Christine. During this time, Ivan built a water-powered mill to saw long lumber and later sawed barrel staves. In 1967, Ivan married Constance Adams. He is survived by his two children, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his wife, Constance, and her four children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Ivan was a devoted family man, founding church father, and respected member of the community. Well known for his strong work ethic and determination, Ivan possessed a passion for life and love of nostalgia that his family will never forget. Together with his avid interests in reading, gardening and walking, Ivan was a gifted singer, whistler and yodeler and was talented on the guitar, banjo and saxophone. For many years Ivan was involved in Liberty town affairs. He served on the town roster as Surveyor of Wood and Lumber, was a member of the Conservation Committee, and was on the Board of Appeals. He was instrumental in helping to establish the library in Liberty, which is named the Ivan O. Davis Liberty Library. In 1993 one of Ivan’s projects was fulfilled with the construction of the Liberty Hydro Dam. Ivan was also honored by the George’s River Grange No. 118 of South Montville, with the 2000 Community Citizen Award. Ivan’s faith was of utmost importance to him, and a highlight of his life was beginning the restoration of the church in South Montville (now known as the Living Word Fellowship), which is where his father held revivals during the early 1900’s. “Leaving things better than they were” was a fundamental principle of Ivan’s life and work. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at the Living Word Fellowship, Rte. 173, South Montville. Those wishing to make donations may do so to the Living Word Fellowship Annex Fund, P.O. Box 13, Liberty, ME 04949.