Allen Howard Davis

Allen  “Papa” Howard Davis

March 21-1953-April 1, 2023

Allen Howard Davis, 70, longtime resident of Teton Valley, ID passed away peacefully in his sleep April 1, 2023 after a long battle with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Allen was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Glen Edward Davis and Electa Renker Davis.  Growing up in Cleveland, OH, he spent many childhood years at the Davis Farm in Athens, Ohio. He gained a strong work ethic helping his parents later in Ideal Mobile Home Park that his grandfather started in the late 40’s. He attended schools in Cleveland as well as Miami, FL.  His high school years were spent at Palm Cove, Pompano Beach, Fl.  Allen attended Ohio University 1971-1975. Received his Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and became Treasurer. His mother brought home a very special Christmas present in 1954 that would be in his life forever.  It was his younger brother, Robin, who he nicknamed “Jr”.  This sibling kinship would carry through all ups and downs of life.  The love of this brother carried him at even the darkest part of ALS. Rob pushed his wheelchair through the streets of Dubai so he could fulfill one of his last travel wishes.

During the summers home from college, Allen would continue developing Ideal Mobile Home Park always trying to take the park to new visions. He remained there till 1995.

January 4, 1978, Allen accepted Jesus as his Savior.  This relationship would bring much service to the Lord locally in his church. He was part of the Sound Ministry of First Baptist in Jackson, WY.  This benefits world-wide giving people the opportunity to hear the Gospel, no matter where they lived.  In the 80’s him and Tricia spent a summer smuggling Bibles to Communist countries. His generosity continues to help many ministries.

He was articulate, well-read, and highly intelligent, always keeping up with current events here at home and internationally. People from all over came to utilize his computer skills.

He met his future wife, Tricia, through his sister. They dated a few times, but college at Ohio University took them down different paths.  In 1977, the romance was once again rekindled. February 1978, they were married. The couple settled in Chicago, IL where Allen would fine tune his mobile home service skills. In 1981, they returned to Cleveland, to continue expanding the family manufactured home business. Whenever the opportunity arose, motorcycling became a strong passion, taking them throughout the US and Canada.

One of the biggest joys in his life was being the first to hold his only child, HannahSarah, born January 1994. That cemented the relationship as “Papa and his Hunka.” When she was 3, they won the Free Fish Day Cast Off. That winning rod is still in her closet. The one foundation skill of life “Papa” taught her was the thrill of traveling. He wanted her to look beyond her backyard. Her life was filled with traveling memories all over USA,  Europe, Australia, Disney World, Disneyland, and even Disney Paris. Allen’s final traveling journey was when the family took a long awaited Disney cruise. It was traveling all together that kept his going despite the progression ALS was doing.

In the summer of 1995, he and Tricia came to settle in Victor, ID, after spending 13 summers in Jackson, WY.  In 1996, he bought the Breakfast Shoppe, in Driggs. They served up made-to order breakfst/lunch till Nov 2001.  It was more than a place to eat, it was a place to socialize, keeping up with the local happenings.  The staff was an extended family.  The community became an inter-cal l part of the business.  When the Teton County Fire Chief, passed the restaurant was closed to attend his funeral. It was Al and Tricia’s way of saying “Thank-you” for his everyday support for many years.

Motorcycling was an important part of his college years and continued throughout his life. Other pastimes include drawing ( ink, watercolor, pencil), collecting comic books, going to Star Trek conventions, genealogy going all the way back to the 12th Century. Keeping up with latest computer tech, Disney, working in his yard, hiking the mountains in the National Parks, photography, and the last 10 years going cruising.  He has spent over 425 days at sea. His home would be filled with all sorts of genres of music.  Fleetwood Mac would bring big smiles, remembering the concert he met Stevie Nicks.  His circle of friends called him “Best Tour Guide,” when he showed off his surrounding areas with such pride.

Upon retiring, he spent as much time as he could getting down on the floor building castles with the gems of his life, Lily and Scarlet. He would always bring lollipops and the girls called him “Lollipapa.”

Allen starting noticing problems with his voice in early 2021 and after many tests, he was diagnosed with ALS. Even though that October visit to Cleveland Clinic gave him such grave news, he was bound and determined not to let ALS dictate his life. He managed to go on 7 cruises, one week in Dubai, 3 days at Disney, and 2 weeks at Christmas to see HannahSarah. Even though they had divorced, Tricia became Allen’s voice, his personal caregiver,  which enabled him to do what he wanted…travel the world.

Al leaves behind the joys of his life, HannahSarah (Nathan) Burly, ID, granddaughters Lily and Scarlet, his brother, Robin (Jan) Davis, Lighthouse Point, FL, cousin Jim Morrison, cousin to many, his nephews Tim Davis and Russell Roberson, nieces Colleen Graven, Richelle Roper, Shannon Roberson and Jesse Hall, his fraternity and card playing buddies, and many friends whose life he impacted.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Karen and his favorite aunt, Isabelle Morrison. The family wishes to thank Grand Teton Funeral Home and Cremation for the compassion during this most devastating time.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cleveland OH, Parma Heights Baptist Church.  His ashes will be scattered in the mountains he loved. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to First Baptist Church in Jackson WY, for future missions trips.

If you have any memories over Allen’s short 70 years please put here or send to Davis Family 1105 Taylor Mountain Drive Victor, ID 83455.  The family is putting together a memory book to give the girls, giving them a better understanding of their “Papa.”