Earl Davis

Earl Davis

Malcolm

Earl Davis, 91, of Malcom, IA passed away on October 3, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

A graveside service was held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Ivy Hill cemetery in Malcom, IA.

A memorial gathering and luncheon was held at the Malcom American Legion Hall immediately following the graveside service.

Memorials may be made payable to Ivy Hill Cemetery, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Earl was born on August 3, 1934, to Bryan and Lucy (Trease) Davis in Grinnell, IA. Earl was raised in Grinnell and attended school until the 7th grade. He then entered the work force; employed by Cornland, a fertilizer plant, Phil Palmer, who owned a fertilizer company, and Howard Macy, driving a cement truck. He then started Davis Sanitation Service, contracted to pick up trash in the Grinnell area, but still worked on Saturdays for Howard Macy. Earl will be remembered for his work ethic.

On April 3, 1954, Earl was united in marriage to Eleanor “Sissy” Ervin in Montezuma, IA. To this union the couple had two children, Bryan and Kathy. The family lived in Grinnell, IA before moving to Malcom, IA in 1976.

After over 50 years of marriage, his wife Eleanor “Sissy” passed away in 2005. Earl met Ella Jump, who has been his significant other for the last 15 years.

Earl loved to fish and go on fishing trips. He would go to his brother’s pond, to Red Wing, MN on the Mississippi river, and on Saturday nights, go catfishing on the Iowa River, and compete in Walleye tournaments in Ohio. He enjoyed country music dancing, attending the Blue Grass festival in Graceville, IA, and his favorite band was the Howard Davis Band that would play at the Grinnell Eagles. Earl wintered in Donna, TX for over 40 years, never having to spend another winter in Iowa.

He is survived by his children Bryan (Donna) Davis of Grinnell, IA, and Kathy (David) Dayton of Brooklyn, IA; his grandchildren, Allison (Kevin) Utech of Grinnell, IA, Brianne Goetzinger of Grinnell, IA, and Molly Dayton of Brooklyn, IA; his great-grandchildren, Brooks, and Davis Utech, and Reislynn Goetzinger; and his significant other, Ella Jump, of Malcom, IA.

He is preceded by his wife Eleanor “Sissy”, his parents, Bryan and Lucy, siblings, Albert Davis, and Farrell Dayton, and his 5 half-brothers, Ray, Glenn, Burt, Clyde, and Dale Phipps.