Kenyon William Davis, a veteran of World War II died at home on March 5, 2015 in Centreville at the age of 94.
Kenyon is survived by his wife of 68 years Edna Kathleen Davis of Centreville, his two children, Shirley Buckley and her husband Buddy of Centreville and Brenda Jones of Warrenton, three grandchildren Heidi Sterling and her husband John of Warrenton, Travis Jones and his wife Andrea of Warrenton, and Paula Araujo and her husband Joe of Dulles, seven great grandchildren, Cassidy and John Sterling, Erin and Ryan Jones and Megan, Tyler and Ashley Araujo. He is preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Jennie Davis and his brother E. Spencer Davis.
Kenyon was born on June 21, 1920 in Clifton. He grew up milking cows and splitting wood on his family farm where he learned a work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the 5th, 7th and 9th Armies and the British 8th spanning the territories from North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica to France and Germany during World War II 10 days after D-Day. He returned to the states in 1945 where he met and married Kathleen on June 1, 1946 and settled in Centreville.
After moving to Centreville, Kenyon began working for the Centreville Garage as a mechanic for five years and then for the County Garage as the motor equipment superintendent and remained there for 29 and a half years retiring in 1975. He was a founding member of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department in 1950 and served as the Fire Chief from 1954 until 1966. Kenyon was just awarded his 65 years of service pin the week before his death; he was the oldest and longest serving member at the time. While working for the department, Kenyon helped by building needed equipment from discarded vehicles and even built the first ambulance from a used hearse. He was also an honored founding member of the Centreville Moose Lodge 2168 and was one of only two surviving founding members at the time of this death. He served as a Past Governor, Treasurer, Trustee and the Sergeant of Arms for many years. Kenyon also served his community as a member of the Centreville Lions Club and the American Legion Post 177.
Kenyon was accomplished at many skills and would often be found in his garage tinkering on different projects and welding birds and animals from shovels, rakes, bicycle parts and other tools to give to family and friends. He was a dedicated family man and was proud to share in all of their accomplishments. He was probably most proud to have a namesake, Tyler William, his 6th great grandchild who shared his middle name. He was passionate about life and always gave credit to the “man upstairs” for his long journey on this Earth. He had a wicked sense of humor and could always be counted on for a good joke. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but most of all by his family.
The viewing is scheduled for Wednesday March 11, 2015 at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 12, 2015 at National Memorial Park with a reception to follow at the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kenyon's life. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department. The family would like to thank the Comfort Keepers staff for their care and support during Kenyon’s last days.