Merle R. “Pug” Davis, 64, passed away Friday, October 7, 2011 at Weston County Health Services in Newcastle, WY after a year long battle with lung cancer.
Merle was born December 2, 1946 at Sundance, Wyoming to Tom and Laura “Betty” (Dewey) Davis. He grew up on the family ranch, attending rural schools and also being home schooled when the rural school closed. He graduated from Upton High School in 1964.
He served in the Wyoming National Guard from 1965 to 1971.
He married Dianne Pollat at Hill City, South Dakota on June 22, 1968. They were blessed with a son, Scott and a daughter, Janet.
Merle worked at a number of jobs, several years he worked in the oil fields and at Black Thunder coal mine. At the time of his death he was working for Grizzly Services. For many years he did mechanic work privately and taught many young folks how to work on their own vehicles.
Merle loved to hunt and fish and loved to tell stories about his escapades. He also spent time snowmobiling and four-wheeling. Most of all he loved kids and was one of the greatest ever at entertaining kids of all ages—maybe he was still a bit of a kid at heart.
Survivors include his wife, Dianne of Newcastle, WY; one son, Scott (Kristi-Ann) Davis of Plano, TX; one daughter, Janet (Randy Hise) Davis of Newcastle, WY; three grandchildren, Lexi of Newcastle, WY, and Jaxsen and Jenna of Plano, TX; two sisters, Phyllis (John) Queen of Moorcroft, WY; Norma Peterson of Sundance, WY and one brother, Lloyd (Kathie) Davis on the family ranch. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Betty Davis.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Weston County Senior Center in Newcastle, WY. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
