Donald A. Davis

Donald (Don) Arthur Davis, age 74, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on February 5, 2023. He was born June 25, 1948, in Allen Park, Michigan, to the late Donald Davis Sr. and Marjorie (Marge) Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda (née Stramake), daughter Erin (Scott), their children Maya and Zadie, son Trevor (Claudia), their children Kaija and Matilda, and sister Jan Brandys.

Don often spoke fondly of his Allen Park upbringing in a neighborhood filled with friends. He went on to become a lifelong athlete, serving as captain of his high school swim team and running the 25K River Bank Run 39 times. In his last race, he placed fifth in his age group.

Don and Linda fell in love while working as student/substitute teachers at their alma matter, Allen Park High. After graduating from Western Michigan University, Don volunteered for the Marine Corps Reserve. While he was always critical of the war, he was very proud of his service and was always moved to tears by memorials for young people who died in what he viewed as an unnecessary war.

Don and Linda were married in 1971. He started law school at University of Michigan that fall, after a six-week honeymoon spent traveling around the western U.S. They were best friends, as well as husband and wife. They loved their family and their time spent exploring the world. Don was a voracious learner and loved to collect many things, especially race metals.

After graduation, he clerked for Chief Judge Noel Fox and began his long career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He was tremendously proud to be part of the West Michigan U.S. Department of Justice and of their high standards for civility and ethics. He worked there for almost 40 years, including four years as U.S. Attorney.

Don was a devoted father and grandfather. His children and granddaughters remember him lovingly as someone who encouraged them not to let their fears get the best of them, who was always ready with a helping hand (and several toolboxes), and who loved almost nothing more than a house full of family and friends. The family enjoyed many happy summers at their lake house.

Those who knew him would agree that Don had an infectious energy and zest for living life to its fullest. Not entirely content with retirement, after two years he returned to work “part time” as a criminal defense attorney at SBBL Law as Of Counsel.  He was also an active outdoorsman, enjoying extended backpacking trips, winter camping, kayaking and jet skiing.

A memorial service will be held at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, in Grand Rapids at 2 p.m. on Thursday February 16, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Don’s name to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (https://www.mc-lef.org/), an organization that provides scholarships to children who have lost  a parent serving on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy Corpsman or as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent.

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