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Paul Kieffer Davis, M. D. passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City after a brief illness.
He was born July 10, 1941 in Nowata, Oklahoma. In 1944, the family moved to Bartlesville, OK. when his father became Medical Director of Phillips Petroleum Company. At age 15 he acquired an Amateur Radio (HAM) license and became interested in working on electronic projects.
He graduated from College High School in 1959. He attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO for two years and then enlisted in the U. S. Navy. During his four years serving in the U. S. Navy, he was a Hospital Corpsman and Technical Research Assistant on the Gemini and Apollo Projects for NASA at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.
It was in Pensacola where he met Marcia Carfagno. Marcia was teaching
second grade and during the summer worked at the Firehouse Drive-in
Restaurant while living on Pensacola Beach. Paul ordered a hamburger and
Marcia was lucky enough to serve him. They dated for two years and were
married August 7, 1966. Marcia often said she married Paul for his sense of
humor.
After his Honorable Discharge from the U. S. Navy in 1966, he completed his B. S. degree in chemistry and physics at Central State College followed by a year working at Western Electric as an industrial engineer. He completed his Medical Degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1975 with internship and residency in Emergency Medicine at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
In 1972 Paul and Marcia welcomed son, Ken and in 1973, daughter, Bonnie. In 1977, the family moved to Ponca City and Dr. Davis began his medical practice as a Family Physician in Tonkawa, OK. When Doctor’s Park was completed in 1979, he moved his practice to Ponca City.
In 1978, he initiated the drive for funds to purchase the first “Jaws of Life” for Kay County. For his efforts, the American Business Club (AMBUCS) awarded him the Wilfred Johnson Award for Humanitarianism in 1979. Also in 1979, he received a Special Commendation from the Ponca City, City Council for Community Service. He was also selected as “Boss of the Year” in 1980. He was Kay County Medical Examiner from 1979 to the mid 1990s.
During the 1980s, Dr. Davis joined the U. S. Navy Reserve and served for a few years as Lieutenant Commander.
He was an honorary member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association and wrote “First Aid Tent” for the Trooper magazine.
For many years he was a volunteer physician at the Ponca City Free Clinic. He served as track physician at Hallett Race Track and the Ponca City Sports Car Races. He served the community as a member of the Cultural Affairs Committee, Conoco’s Community Action Committee, YMCA Board, Opportunity Homes, Inc. and Hospice. He was a past member of the Aerospace Medical Association, Kiwanis and American Business Clubs (AMBUCS). He was a member of the Oklahoma Peace Officers Association, Honorary member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, Ham Radio Storm Watch Committee and Team Physician for the Newkirk Football team from 1980 to 2011 caring for injuries on the Newkirk team as well as those on the opposing teams. He was proud to be Medical Director of the Newkirk Fire Department and served many years in that position.
In 1995, he was awarded the Ponca City Sertoma Club’s highest honor - The Service to Mankind Award for his work in aiding victims and their families at the Murrah Building bomb site. At the suggestion of State Representative Jim Holt, Governor Frank Keating set aside August 19, 1995 as “Paul Davis Day in Oklahoma” as a result of his efforts at the Murrah Building disaster. Mayor Marilyn Andrews presented Dr. Davis with the Governor’s Proclamation. In addition, for his work at the Murrah Building disaster, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his service from Fred B. Jordan, M.D., Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner.
Following this event, he became affiliated with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) on the DMORT AND DMAT Oklahoma team and actively attended disaster sites when needed. In 1999, he received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for medical care of Kosovar refugees at Fort Dix with Operation Provide Refuge.
Dr. Davis was a member of the Kay County Medical Association, Oklahoma Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He served the community as a Family Physician from 1977 to 2011. He was devoted to his patients and often referred to them as family.
Paul and Marcia visited all 50 states and enjoyed tours of China, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and many other countries in Europe.
In retirement, he spent much time restoring his 1928 Model A Ford. His hobbies included HAM radio, stained glass, polishing golf clubs, practicing at the firing range, and puttering around in his garage. He enjoyed driving his1928 Model A Ford and his 1947 Lincoln Continental in downtown parades.
Dr. Paul Davis is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marcia, their son, Ken, wife Costanza and granddaughter, Victoria; their daughter, Bonnie, husband Matt and grandchildren, Anna and Zach; brother Pete and family, sister Candice and family, and brother Tom and family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kieffer Dixon Davis, M. D. and mother, Keitha Lee Davis.
Dr. Davis was a spiritual man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was much loved and will be dearly missed!
As Marcia’s brother, Don, often affectionately stated, “There is no one in the world like Paul.”
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Grace Episcopal Church 109 North 13th Street, Ponca City, OK 74601
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