COL JOSEPH STEADMAN "STEAD" DAVIS II

Here is an obituary for Joseph Steadman “Stead” Davis II from the files of the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home in Carlisle, PA.  When I arrived in the 219th in May 1967, the 4th Platoon Leader was Vic Weber.  He was succeeded by Stead Davis, exactly when, I don’t know.  I, along with Cam Sutherland, were Section Leaders under Stead.  When Stead left, Cam became 4th Plt Leader and I became Plt Leader of the newly formed 3rd Plt, supporting the 52nd Arty Grp.  I have augmented this obituary a little with facts known to me.  (Notice the home address of “219” and funeral home address of “219”)  Wish I had a photo, but I don’t.  Maybe Cam or somebody else might come up with one.

Charley Barnes
HH 40 and 36
67 - 68

​Retired Col. Joseph Steadman “Stead” Davis II, 53, 219 Cavalry Rd., Carlisle died Tuesday, August 3, 1993, in the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.

Born on May 24, 1940 in Bryan, Texas, he was the son of the late Marie Byrnes Davis and Joe Eugene Davis, Stephenville, Texas.  He was a retired Colonel of the U. S. Army, having served 25 years as an infantry aviator, including two tours in Vietnam.  One of these tours was with the 219th Recon Airplane Company in Pleiku in 1967 where he served as 4th Platoon Leader, supporting the 4th Infantry Division.  He also served two tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was a graduate of the Army War College in 1982, Texas A&M University, and received a master’s degree from Shippensburg University.  He received numerous medals and ribbons including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (25 OLC) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Surviving in addition to his father are his wife, Marsha Nesbitt Davis, Carlisle; two daughters, Tina K. Morrow, Dawn K. Morton, both Carlisle; and two grandchildren.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home, 219 North Hanover St. with full military honors.  Chaplain Col. Anthony M. Imberi will officiate.  Burial will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, W. Pennsboro Twp.  There will be no viewing, however family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 Noon until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Cumberland County Unit, 117 North Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013.