Robert K. Davis (1939-2017)

Do-it-yourselfer launched sewing company in Toledo

12/13/2017

WAUSEON — Robert K. Davis of Wauseon, a retired businessman and a handyman who was a Marine Corps veteran, died Saturday at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on South Detroit Avenue. He was 78.

He had heart and lung problems, his daughter Kathi Flores said.

Mr. Davis owned and operated the former Designers Service Co., a commercial sewing company in Toledo, from its inception in 1974 to 1981, when he closed it after suffering a heart attack. The company made draperies and furniture upholstery for area interior designers.

He was previously a self-employed window treatment installer, putting in draperies, blinds, and cornices for Toledo interior designers.

“He was a very outgoing, friendly person,” Marty Davis, his wife of 43 years, said. “That was why he was good as a businessman. He liked to serve people.”

In retirement, the Davises lived for about 17 years in South Carolina to take advantage of the climate that was better for his health, his wife said. They eventually moved back to the greater Toledo area about 1999 to be closer to the rest of the family.

“He was always there to help his friends, family, and neighbors with anything,” Mrs. Davis said. “He was a do-it-yourselfer, very handy and willing to help anybody with anything. He was very good on cars and home improvement.”

Mrs. Flores said his stories about his military service influenced her decision to enlist in the Air Force, where she served for 20 years until retiring with the rank of master sergeant.

“He was just so knowledgeable,” Mrs. Flores said. “Us kids relied on his opinion in so many different things. And he really enjoyed spending his time with us.”

Mr. Davis was born in Bluffton, Ind. on April 16, 1939 to Robert and Wanda Davis. He was raised in Bluffton and attended Liberty Center High School, graduating in 1957.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a cryptologist stateside and overseas until he received his honorable discharge in 1966 with the rank of sergeant.

After his service, Mr. Davis returned to Bluffton and became a self-employed furniture upholster. He did it until he moved to the greater Toledo in 1970 to take advantage of better business opportunities.

He met his wife, Marty Davis, whose maiden name was Stone, in Toledo in 1974. They married the same year.

In his free time, Mr. Davis enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren. He liked gourmet cooking and listening to talk radio. He also always had pet dogs and birds.

Mr. Davis was a former member of the Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Anderson, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Antoinette Speece.

Surviving are his wife, Marty Davis; daughters, Bobbi Davis Compton, Kristine Liner, and Kathi Flores; son, Nicholas Trimble; sister, Sharon Osborn; 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will at 1 p.m. Friday at Edgar & Grisier Funeral Homes, 219 S. Fulton St., Wauseon, followed at 3 p.m. by a memorial service with full military honors.

The family suggests tributes to the Toledo Area Humane Society.

Contact Mike Sigov at sigov@theblade.com, 419-724-6089, or on Twitter @mikesigovblade.