Chuck Lavern Davis SR. was born on August 29, 1945, in Miller SD to Arnold and Lorriane Davis. Chuck is one of five siblings, Donald, Dale, Linda, and Kevin. Chuck lived in Miller his younger years, then moved to Glendive MT with his family and attended grade school there. While there he entered boxing and met his friend good Kenny Kutzler. Chuck loved boxing and earned many awards. After grade school Chuck moved to Buffalo, SD with his family. Chuck’s 8th grade year he told the school he was too smart to be there and walked out of school. But Chuck did have the honor of walking with the graduating Class of 2013 to earn his GED Diploma. Chuck really appreciated that this senior class allowed him to walk with them on their big day.
Chuck loved the rodeo world; he participated from 1960-2021. He was in Bareback, Saddle Broncs, Bulls and Steer Wrestling in his younger years. In his later years he really enjoyed the Old Mans Breakway. His traveling partners were Bob Mackey, Orville LaPlante and his brother Dale. Orville and Chuck were the only two cowboys that worked both ends of the arena.
Chuck was drafted to Vietman War in 1966, returned home in 1968, and was honorably discharged in 1972. While over there he met two really good friends, Ron Candallrea and Ken Nitz, that remained in contact with each until the Chuck’s passing. After returning home he married the love of his life, Diana Burt on July 18, 1970. To this union two children were born Chuck Lavern Davis Jr in 1971 and Darann Davis in 1974. In 1971 Chuck worked for the Mackey Brothers in Buffalo and lived in their basement. This is where he got the nickname “Herb”. Chuck then attended Wahpton College in Wahpeton, ND from 1972-74 and received a diploma for auto mechanic. There were a lot of fun memories made at college. In 1974 Chuck and Diana moved back to Buffalo where he worked at the Ford Dealership as a mechanic, up till it closed. Chuck then went trucking for Austed from Hettinger ND. After many days and nights away from his family he decided to get a job closer to home. Chuck then went to work for Koch Exploration in the oil field. He worked for many years in the oil field. Chuck and Diana loved the ranching life and purchased their own herd of buffalo. In early 1995-1996 Chuck decided he wanted to start his own business, 7/6 Ranch Servies. This was Chucks dream to own his own business. Chuck did many ranch service jobs near and far from Buffalo. He took much pride in his business. He then sold the business to Lane Stirling from Buffalo, SD. After selling the business they decided it was retirement time. During their retirement they traveled all over to watch and support their grandchildren. That might mean driving from SD clear across to Montana to watch them all. They took a lot pride in their grandchildren’s sports from basketball, football, wrestling and rodeo. If they weren’t somewhere watching their grandchildren, you would find them at a local activity in Buffalo. They loved to go support all events. Chuck also drove truck for Gunderson’s when they needed him too.
Chuck always wanted to own an airplane, so he purchased a Cesna 185 from a friend. The down side to this is he didn’t have his pilot’s license yet, so he called Loris Nace, the neighbor, to come fly it home for him. Loris then started giving Chuck lessons so he could get his license to fly his own plane.
January 6th, 2023, Chuck went to the Eastern Montana Nursing Home in Glendive, MT where he remained until the day of his passing. Up to the last few months of his life he always had jokes. Example: Riley would go to see him and the first thing he would say to Riley is “You’re still a pussy”. Charg and Cinch would go to see him and he hated that they always called him “Old Man”, of course this would end with Chuck using some very not nice words (a lot of Cussing).
Chuck was always up to sit and have a good visit, a handshake, hug, or give a kiss on the cheek.
Chuck is survived by son Chuck Lavern Davis Jr (Polly), daughter Darann Davis (Travis). Brother Dale Davis, Brother-in-law JR Schmidt, grandchildren McKenzie and Riley Davis, Charg, Cache’, Cinch Hebb, Brandin Jewett. Great grandchildren Thad Feist, Sophia and Samuel Reede.
Proceeded in death by his wife Diana Davis, granddaughter Mary Jo Davis, parents Arnold & Lorriane Davis, Father and Mother-in-law Pat and Dagny Burt, Sister Linda Schmidt, Brothers Donald and Kevin Davis.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral Services ae Monday, February 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Buffalo High School Gymnasium in Buffalo, SD.
