Cleo Davis

Cleo Granvil Davis, was born February 28, 1920, in Stroud, OK, in the Community of Key West. He was the oldest of three siblings born to Ernest E. and Eva G. (Smith) Davis. His parents moved to Chandler, OK, when Cleo was quite young. His mother a graduate of Douglas High School was his first teacher. She received her training from the Colored Agricultural and Normal University, later renamed Langston University. Cleo attended grade school and high school at Douglas graduating in 1939. He enrolled in the freshmen class at Langston and attended there two years. Cleo later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, becoming the first Black person from Lincoln County to be accepted in the Marine Corps. He excelled as a Gunnery Sgt. and was promoted leader of his squadron. While in the Marines he took correspondence courses in Math and Science. After being honorably discharged from the service, he entered Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, graduating with a BS in Science in 1948. While a student at Tennessee State her became affiliated with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Cleo began his teaching career in South East Missouri. He later moved to St. Louis, MO, working in the Florissant School District. Cleo attended the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO. He received a Master of Education degree from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO. Because of impaired vision he resigned from his teaching position. Cleo later worked at The Light House for the blind. After moving to Montgomery, AL, he worked at the Tuskegee V.A. Center, assisting blind veterans. Cleo moved back to Chandler after his wife died. He was a active member of Central Baptist Church and the Douglass School Alumni. His parents, wife, Juanita, wife, Florine, and his brother, George Lee preceded Cleo in death. Survivors include, one daughter, Janice A. Davis of Nashville, TN, stepdaughters, Marianne Barber and husband Ken, Debra Wicks, Stepsons, Earl and Greg all from St. Louis, MO, sister, Bernice (Davis) Caldwell of Chandler, OK, nephews, nieces other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 4, 2012, at Central Baptist Church, in Chandler, with Rev. James Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.