Alvin 'Al' L. Davis

Alvin 'Al' L. Davis, 86, of Meadville, quietly joined his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Crawford County Care Center.

Al was born at home in Hayfield Twp., with no one at home but mom and dad on September 14, 1928, the youngest of five children of the late Jeremiah Clark and Clara (Ott) Davis.

On October 12, 1979 he married Mary Jo Mushrush; she survives. In just five more days they would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

In September, 1991 Al retired from Meadville Medical Center where he had been employed 14 years. Prior to that he sailed on the Great Lakes as a Merchant Marine since the age of 16, until 1979. During that time, he had two brothers and a brother in law serving our country in WW II. As the entire nation was patriotic, he also wanted to join. With his fathers permission, at the tender age of 16, he, his brother, Noel, and his best friend, Boze Wise, hitch hiked across the US to San Diego to join the Merchant Marines. He sailed first on the tanker, Solona, delivering oil and later joined the cargo ship, Maryville Victory, that delivered jeeps, airplanes, ammunition and troops to various islands in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged on August 13, 1945 then he returned to the Great Lakes. He has since written a short story of his adventures about that period of his life. At the age of 18, Al enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving from December, 1946 until his honorable discharge in December, 1949.

Als education included eight grades of elementary school in a one room school house in Summit Twp., attending and graduating from the Littles Corners two year high school and received his GED from Meadville High School while serving in the Marine Corps. He also attended Bob Jones University, Edinboro State College, and graduated from both the Orange County College and L.A. Trade Technology School.

He was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church in Meadville, and was affiliated with Denny Chapel.

Al had many interests; he loved studying the Bible and during his illness, he became unable to read except for the Bible which he could read long after he was unable to read the newspaper. He listened faithfully daily to 'Thru the Bible Radio' with Dr. J. Vernon Magee who went through the Bible in five years. He loved music, especially Blue Grass. He owned and played many instruments. He also loved following high school and college wrestling, following high school teams all the way to states in Hershey for 24 consecutive years. A talented builder, Al built two homes for himself and his wife during their lives together. He loved the grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

In addition to his wife, Mary Jo, of nearly 35 years, Al is survived by three stepchildren Karl Dennis and his wife Sue, Nancy Chapin and her husband Fred both of Geneva, Marti Jo Kiskadden and her husband Jim of Hartstown, seven grandchildren Billie-Jo (Donnie) Hyde, Brad (Becky) Chapin, Kurt (Sarah) Dennis, Emily Gaydos, Andrew (Candy) Kiskadden, Shawn (Tomisa) Kiskadden, Kip Dennis, seven great grandchildren Keyshawn and Karlie Dennis, David and Jonathan Hyde, Eric and Ava Kiskadden, Kian Kiskadden, two sisters in law Lillian Davis, Luann Armour, a brother in law Jeff (Joyce) Mushrush, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by a sister Evaline Johnson Forst, three brothers Paul, Owen and Noel Davis.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 11 from 11-12:30 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, where Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM, with Pastor David Jenkins of Denny Chapel officiating.

Alvin will be laid to rest in Denny Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent in memory of Al to Denny Chapel, 15028 State Hwy. 98, Meadville, PA 16335.

Als family would like to recognize the wonderful care that he received at Crawford County Care Center during the year he was a resident. To name a few of the nursing staff Andrea, Erica, Amanda, Candy, Tina & Darlene, Lindsee, Teresa, Katie, Ann, Pam, Regina, Lynn, Debbie, Lauren, Deb and the many others who circulated through Oak Street. You were all wonderful and gratefully appreciated. We would also like to thank Hospice of Crawford County for their care during the short time they were with us. They were very helpful.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com