Nolan Jay Davis

Nolan Jay Davis (91) passed away on April 13, 2014 at his lifelong home -- which was the home of his parents William Clark and Laura Hopkins Davis. Born in Davisville (Soda Springs) Idaho on May 7, 1922, the youngest of seven children, Nolan's parents moved their family to Tyhee in 1923. Nolan attended Pocatello schools and graduated from Pocatello High School. World War II and the Korean conflict changed the course of his journey, but not before he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna E. Kelsey, daughter of Earl Kelsey and Emily Gregersen Kelsey, in 1942. Years after Myrna passed away, Nolan met and courted Wilma Carnahan. They have now been married for over 26 years. Both marriages were solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Nolan served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and then again the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged from the 29th Fighter Squadron in 1945 and then returned to Pocatello.

Nolan had a varied lifetime career, starting when he followed in his father's footsteps to farm a portion of the family farm in the Tyhee area, which land he worked for several years. Subsequent to the amputation of his right hand, he turned to life insurance as an agent for Prudential Life Insurance Company where he worked with Judd Cook, who became his lifelong friend. With a partner he started ‘Credit Programs and Services, Inc.' a company which he helped run until he was installed as Credit Manager for Western Equipment Company – Pocatello's office of the local Caterpillar Dealership – where he traveled throughout the Intermountain area. Many stories were told of encounters with owners of logging and mining companies. Nolan then was employed by Intermountain Gas Company as credit manager in the Pocatello office. Finally he was the Branch Manager for American Protective Services, Inc. with accounts in hospital, mining and industry in the southeastern Idaho area.

Nolan was active in the community throughout his life, with memberships in the Chubbuck Lions Club, the Elks, and at his death was a Shriner and an active 32nd degree Free Mason in the American Falls Lodge.

Nolan was raised riding and playing with horses on the family farm and he always seemed to have a ‘fast horse on the place.' For years he rode with the Bannock County Sheriffs Mounted Posse, and traveled with the Posse to perform at rodeos throughout southeastern Idaho. His son Rod A Davis caught the same fever and they rode together for several years in the posse.

Nolan was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Nolan couldn't attend his High Priest meetings, they honored him by bringing the meetings to him and conducted them in the Davis home.

Nolan was preceded in death by his first wife Myrna, his oldest son N. Kent Davis, a grandson Heath Clark Davis (Michael), and two sons-in-law: Lewis Sorenson and Ken Madsen. He is also preceded by step-daughter Susan (Brent) Dustin and step-son-in-law Donnie (Karen) Rupp. He is survived by his wife Wilma Carnahan Davis, sons Michael J. Davis - Pahrump, NV; Rod A. Davis (Cathy) - Henderson, NV; daughter Laura Lee Davis Madsen - West Jordan, UT; step-children Karen Rupp, Rosanne (Tim) Whitworth, and Eddie Carnahan – all of Pocatello; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren; and one (1) step-great-great grandchild.

At Nolan's request, a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Pocatello with Military Rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Services are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.