Paul Raymond Davis

Paul Raymond Davis, 88, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on August 20, 2025, just four days before his 89th birthday. 

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Capital City Church, 5990 NE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313.

Paul was born on August 24, 1936, the seventh child of Earle Albin Davis and Abigail (Packard) Davis. He attended Des Moines Tech High School, where he excelled academically, earning straight A’s. He went on to attend Jabock Bible College in Oklahoma, graduating as valedictorian of his class.

After returning to Des Moines, Paul operated a Phillips 66 service station for two years. He then married his first love, Velma Bowman, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with three children: Vicki, Darrell, and Ted. Paul loved and was deeply proud of his children, keeping them in daily prayer.

He worked for 10 years at Firestone Tire Company before following his true calling in carpentry. Paul spent decades with Neumann Brothers Construction, helping build many of Des Moines’ downtown businesses, including hospitals, the Historical Building, the State Capitol, and numerous mansions. He was a proud member of Carpenters Local 106 for more than 50 years.

Later in life, while driving a school bus for the City of Ankeny, Paul met the second love of his life, Leila Woodward. They married at ages 74 and 70 and were a blessing to one another. Paul also became a beloved stepfather to Leila’s children: Shelli, Shawn, Randy, Roger, Sharonne, and David.

Paul accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 10 during a revival meeting, and his faith remained the foundation of his life. A faithful member of Capital City Church for more than 50 years, Paul joyfully sang in the choir, served in ministry, and never tired of sharing about God’s love and grace.

His interests and passions reflected his joy in life: his love for his family and people, building old cars and trucks, drag racing (earning many trophies), traveling to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and caring for his dogs and cats. A gifted entertainer, Paul was a proud member of the Iowa Professional Music & Entertainers Association, where he sang and played the “bones” at countless events, including the Iowa State Fair and Bluegrass gatherings.

After years of faithfully enduring neuropathy and heart disease, Paul entered eternity with a new body, free of pain. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Leila; children Vicki (Edward) Ailey-Roberson, Darrel (Vicki) Davis, and Ted (Patty) Davis; 26 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 stepchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Velma (Bowman) Davis, his parents, and siblings Vera Noble, Kenneth Davis, Inez Davis, Hubert Davis, Clifford Davis, and Phillip Davis.