Philip Davis

Philip Dale Davis died on August 13,2020. He was born October 24, 1931 to George and Gaynell (Fuerstock) Davis and was the youngest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jody; brothers, Harlan, Donald, and Harold and sisters, Vida Arimintrout, Thelma Davis, Elizabeth “Betty Lou” Mudgett, and Shirley Gregory.

Phil’s interest in horses began at a very young age while helping his uncle on the farm where he learned to drive a team of horses. In 1940, after his father was killed in a farm accident, the family moved to Greeley, where an owner of a horse barn recognized Phil’s talent which led to his first job with the Remount Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after he graduated from High School in 1950.

In August of 1952, his cowboy ways had to be put on hold as he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Phil served in the HQ Company 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment and was released from active duty in August of 1954. He was placed in the Army Reserves and later Honorably Discharged.

Upon returning home, Phil went back to work for the Remount Ranch, deciding shortly after that he needed to increase his knowledge of cattle and horses. So, Phil and his best friend, Joe Maldonado, left to travel and work on several different ranches from Arizona to Montana.

On June 14, 1956, he met Jody Redman, the blonde that would forever change his life. They married on November 1, 1958, in Fort Collins, Colorado. This union, by a small miracle, produced one child the following year, a daughter, Julie Dawn. Phil and Jody moved to Elbert County, in 1958, where they would spend the rest of their lives. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before she died in 2015.

Phil’s first job upon moving was for the John Ewing Company where he was hired to manage a herd of yearlings, band of broad mares, and to their surprise a band of sheep. In 1968, Phil went to A.I. school and life on the ranch soon changed as all efforts were focused on building a cow-calf purebred Charolais herd. Out of this effort came a prize herd of cattle as well as Phil’s passion to become the best A.I. technician. Phil, along with others from Elbert county were pioneers in the cattle industry as artificial insemination changed the landscape. After 12 years, his skill landed Phil his second and final job in Elbert County with Rob Brown from Throckmorton, Texas.

Phil and Jody helped Rob establish Brown Simmental Breeders which later became the RA Brown Ranch. Their program resulted in many award-winning cows and a very prominent Simmental breeding program. With Jody by his side, keeping records, Phil managed the place like it was his own and success was achieved. Phil’s conception rate as an A.I. technician was a solid 97% during his time on the ranch. Phil and Jody were part of what became known as the RA Brown Legacy. After many years of success and accolades with the ranch, Phil retired after 40 years.

One thing a person might overlook was Phil’s ability on a horse. He had a talent for breaking colts and by the time he was finished they were cow horses. You had better be paying attention while riding a horse he trained or else you would find yourself on the ground like a few of his daughter’s suitors. All of the cattle work was done using horses and just because he carried a rope didn’t mean he always used it. Phil was simply a great herdsman, horseman, and the cowboy that always rode for the brand.

Phil was also active in the Douglas-Elbert County Livestock Association and the Elbert County Fair Board for over 35 years, where he served as the President of the fair board for several years. While President of the fair board he helped to obtain the money used to build the livestock arena and the ag building. You would always find him supporting Jody with her many volunteer organizations and activities.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Walt) Marble of Atwood, KS; two grandchildren, Echo (Jacob) Hagler of Atwood, KS and Chance (Michelle) Marble of Brewster, KS; adopted grandson, Ethan (Whitney) Smith, of Colby, KS; his brother, Marvin of Sinclair, WY; three great grandchildren, Emma, Ben, and Ella Hagler of Atwood, KS; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and a multitude of extended family and friends.

Memorial Service will 10:00 a.m., Friday 21, 2020, Agate Church, Agate, CO. A private Inurnment will be held at later date. In lieu of flower memorials are suggested to help defray funeral costs in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS.