Robert E. Davis, loving husband and father passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007.
Mr. Davis, 74, was born Aug. 14, 1933 in Bloomington IL, to Joseph W. and Beatrice Davis.
Graduating from Illinois Wesleyan in 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Math and Physics, Bob served in the Army from 1956 to 1958.
Following employment with Allied Chemical and later Wabash Chemical Co., Bob formed R.E. Davis Chemical Corporation in 1961 specializing in the field of alkylation.
Bob consulted with petroleum refineries around the world, where he was considered an expert in the field of alkylation chemistry.
He held numerous patents and was always looking for a way to help another through his love of science.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sara Ann, whom he married in 1956 and their three children, John, James (Melanie), and Susan (Christopher) Thompson.
Bob was extremely proud of all of his six grandchildren; Courtney and Conner Davis, James and Sara Davis, Ashley and Katie Thompson, all living in Texas.
He is also survived by his brother, David W. Davis (Ruby) of Stone Mountain, GA; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob served on various boards and professional associations over the years, serving on the Board of Directors for Chicago Osteopathic Hospital, Chairman of the Building Committee for Olympia Fields Hospital, Chairman of the Board of the National Hearing Association, and The Board of his Alma Mater, Illinois Wesleyan University.
An active member of the National Petroleum Refiners Association for 44 years, Bob received the NPRA’s first lifetime achievement award in 2005.
He was also a member of Hinsdale Golf Club and Christ Church of Oak Brook.
His love for life was only outweighed by his love for friends and family.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at Christ Church of Oak Brook, York Rd. and 31st St., Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Private family Interment will be held prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Christ Church of Oak Brook or Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900.
Arrangements byGibbons Elliston Funeral Home,630-323-0275.
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This is a paid death notice.
