Leander Mark Davis

© The Guthrie News Leader

Leander Mark Davis

Submitted by: Bob Chada

Leander Mark Davis began life on January 2, 1958, in Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma, born to Giles Davis Jr. and Virginia E. Wade Davis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Opal Vernia Webb Smith.

Leander professed his faith at an early age and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Page Elementary, Faver, and Guthrie High Schools in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He played basketball and later taught himself how to play the guitar and piano. Music was one of the loves of his life.

In 1974 he and his mother moved to Flint, Michigan and he graduated from Northern Flint High School in 1975 with Honors. He later joined the US Marines. After serving four years with the Marine Corps, he enlisted with the US Army. He desired to complete his enlistment, but was medically retired by the Army in 1986. During his military career he served several tours of duty. He was awarded three Good Conduct Medals, as well as the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Commendation Medal, the Sharpshooter (M-16 rifle) Medal, and an Emergency Field Badge. He had a variety of rich work experiences, culminating with nursing. Leander was awarded his BS degree in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma in 1991. An exemplary student, he was a member of the President's Honor Cabinet and served as a student representative on several University Committees. He graduated with Honors from the School of Nursing. He received his MBS from Kennedy-Western University in 1998.

God was first and foremost in his life. He served faithfully at Classen Boulevard Baptist Church where he was later ordained as a deacon. He remained in this position until he reunited with his home church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist. He served as Adult Vacation Bible School Teacher, sang with the Men's choir and the Mass Choir. Whenever called upon to help at church, he never questioned the request, he just did it.

Leander had a warm and ligh personality with a smile to match. To some he was known as "Wizard." Others called him "Skeeter." He also responded to "Feline," a name affectionately bestowed on Leander by his dear cousin, Brent.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Virginia E. Davis, father, Giles Davis, Jr., and three children: LaTrice Shawnta Davis Washington (Michael), Shanya Shari Davis, and Sheldon Sharard Davis. Additionally, Leander is succeeded by one lovely granddaughter, LaTavia Shavonne Washington. Also, two sisters and four brothers: Charmaine Davis, Tulsa, OK, Giles Davis, III, Keith Davis, Lesa Davis, Robert Davis, all of Wichita, KS, and Ed Davis, Topeka, KS; aunts Charlotte Ramayne Glover, Gloria J. Williams, Wanda L. Chandler, and Christina Smart; uncles Floyd D. Wade Sr. (Joan), Rev. Marcellus Wade Sr. (Beverla), Marcus Wade Sr. (Barbara), and Matthew Davis. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Vernice Prince and Linda Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. at M. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Guthrie.

Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Guthrie, OK. Burial will be in Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday until 8:00 p.m.