Col. (RET) Peter Allen Davis

Col. (Ret.) Peter Allen Davis, 78, died on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. The cause was complications due to prostate cancer.

Born Dec. 19, 1934, in Angels Camp, Calif. to James E. and Vivian Davis, he was a graduate of Republic High School, where he excelled in basketball, football and baseball. He then attended and graduated from Eastern Washington University where he played baseball.

On Aug. 25, 1956 he married Kay Traynor, daughter of the late William Traynor and Versie Wilson. After ROTC in college, Pete took commission in the military in 1960, attending airborne and ranger training.

Pete served 23 years as a colonel in the United States Army, assigned to the Military Police Corps. Pete and Kay traveled internationally and throughout the United States during their years in the service. Pete was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.

Pete was attending the war college when he was offered the position of director of security with Kentucky Fried Chicken. After 16 years, he retired and the family returned to their beloved west coast, settling in Fountain Hills.

Pete was a member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Pete will be especially remembered for his integrity, quick wit, competitive spirit, tenacity and generosity toward family and friends. He was a man who cherished his wife and children and put family and country before self.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at St. Anthony on the Desert Church, 12990 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend the service and reception immediately following. Burial will be at the National Cemetery of Arizona.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay; son, Brad; daughter, Holly; and two brothers and their spouses, James Davis Jr. and wife, Donna, and Robert Davis and wife, Sharon, all of Stockton, Calif.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother and father, James E. Davis Sr. and wife, Vivian, and his Scottish Terrier, Duncan.

Memorial contributions are welcome and may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/, or at Wounded Warrior Project, POB 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Much thanks to the staff of the Pueblo Norte Rehabilitation Unit in Scottsdale for their help and support.