Colonel Frederick Earl Davis

Frederick Earl Davis, 86, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. His life began April 3, 1931, in Detroit, Mich.

His life was always adventurous, even as a young boy. He married his wife of now 60 years, Rebecca Davis, on July 21, 1957. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Karen, in April 1965, and their second daughter, Susan, in Aug. 1968.

After a lot of hard work and sacrifice, he was awarded Full Bird Colonel in the United States Air Force in 1970 at the age of 39 years. While serving his country, he performed seaplane rescues and flew helicopters, SA16, T6, C47, and C54 planes. He did all this while he pursued his upper-level education. He was the first graduate to receive his aeronautical engineering degree, and master of science from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He later put it to good use working for NASA. While at NASA, he and his crew designed the first ion propulsion engine. He also worked for the United States Secret Service. Before retiring with the United States Air Force, he was the liaison between the Air Force and Congress at the Pentagon. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling, collecting coins and crossword puzzles. He was truly one of a kind. He was a light to everyone who knew him and to anyone with whom he crossed paths. He will never be forgotten and always present in our hearts. If you want to honor him, stand for the United States Anthem and fly your American flag high and proud.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca; two daughters; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was cremated as he wished and celebrated with an immediate family gathering. No service or funeral will take place.

Arrangements were by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark.

Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com