Leon Charles “Rip” Davis

Leon Charles “Rip” Davis, 97, passed away at his home in Walker, Louisiana on January 9, 2025 with his loving wife beside him. He was born on March 31, 1927 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to parents Sebie and Mary Niehaus Davis. At 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 21 years of proud service to his country.

Rip was a dedicated and active parishoner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he faithfully served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, RCIA sponsor, bereavement committee head, and committed chapel adorer. He and his wife, Gussie, hosted numerous gatherings for their family and community where food and fun were always plentiful. He will be fondly remembered for his mischievous storytelling, hearty laughter, and joyous singing of “How Great Thou Art” from the pews.

Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 40 years, Gussie Davis; his beloved children, Vicki Arbour, Shelley Bridges and her husband, Jim, Laurie Strickland, Fred Downing, Stephanie Davison and her husband, Andrew, Margaret Pfeil and her husband, Simon, Mary Marcello and her husband, Matthew; 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Randall Simon; brother-in-law, William Mathes, and sister-in-law, Wanda Davis.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine Landgraf Davis; daughter, Diane Simon; granddaughters, Katie Arbour and Heather Strickland; parents, Sebie and Mary Niehaus Davis; and siblings, Alvin Davis, Hollis Davis, Doris Price, Douglas Davis, Evelyn Mathes, and Earl Davis.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Denham Springs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a Rosary beginning at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 noon. Internment at Louisiana National Veterans Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the staff at Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge and Clarity Hospice for their compassionate care. Please sign our online registry book.