OBITUARY

Joseph Edward Davis, known to all as Joe, of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair, MO on Friday, April 3, 2026, having reached the age of seventy-seven years, nine months and one day. Joe was born in Washington, MO on July 2, 1948, son of John Wilson Davis and Lorene “Roberta” Davis nee Dierker. On July 20, 1968 he was united in marriage to Rita Ann Hanneken and two sons came to bless this union.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rita Davis of St. Clair, MO; by his sons, Timothy Davis of St. James, MO and Dean Davis and wife, Jenny, of St. Clair, MO; by his grandchildren, Josh Davis and significant other, Jessica Williams, Tia Davis and significant other, Bryan Williams, Lucas Davis and significant other, Taylore Parks and Emma Davis; by his great-grandchildren, Willow Verhey, Gracie Martin, Grant Davis and Carter Davis; by his brothers-in-law, George Stahlman of Potosi, MO and Terry Hanneken and wife, Bobbie, of Bourbon, MO; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Roberta Davis; by her step-mother, Delma Davis; by his step-brothers, Bill Davis, James “Butch” Davis and Raymond Davis; by his step-sister, Carolyn Stahlman; and by his brothers-in-law, Larry Hanneken.

Joe was a Christian, having been raised in the Baptist faith and would attend St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Rita. During his working career he was first employed as a driver for Sealtest Dairy before working for his father-in-law’s construction company, Hanneken Construction, Schmeling Construction Company, and Alberici Construction. He was then employed by Ford Motor Company as a millwright until it’s closing and finished his career as the city inspector for St. Clair, MO. He was a proud member of both Carpenters Union 1839 and United Auto Workers Union. He was a member of St. Clair Lions Club and the “breakfast club” at Burger King with his friends. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member and part of the Men’s Senior League at Meramec Lakes Golf Course. He also enjoyed riding his 02 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle and especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will remain in their hearts forever.

A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great and great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Father Bob Knight officiating, with Pastor John Pursley and Deacon TJ Wild assisting. Interment will be in St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to St. Clair Lions Club. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.