Charles Gladden Davis

December 16, 1920 - December 2, 2008

Charles Gladden Davis, 87, died peacefully in his sleep at his home at Maple Grove Farm in Pylesville, MD, on December 2, 2008.

He was born on December 16, 1920, at Geneva Farms in Street, Maryland, the son of Gladden Davis and Katherine Streett Davis. Charles showed an early aptitude for both farming and mechanics; old friends report the principal of Highland High School called him "the best mechanic I've ever seen."

As a young man, he became a pilot, and was the proud owner of an Aeronca Chieftain light airplane.

Early in World War II, he assembled Douglas B-26s in Iran for delivery to our Russian allies. In 1944-45, he served his country in the Army Air Force as a hydraulic mechanic and crew chief on Curtis C-46 cargo aircraft in a number of locations throughout the U.S.

After the war, he returned to manage Geneva Farms for several years until he took over Maple Grove Farm in Pylesville. He ran a successful dairy operation with his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Snyder Davis, until retirement in the late 1980s. He remained at Maple Grove Farm until his death.

Charles was loved by all who knew him for his gentle, loving disposition and his kind and generous spirit. His greatest joys were his family and new farm equipment.

He is survived by three children, Linda Davis Wiley, Columbia, MD; Joan Davis Donoghue, Silver Spring, MD; and Charles David Davis, Pylesville, MD; seven grandchildren, Megan Wiley Rivera; Jon Wiley, Columbia, MD; David Kemper Davis, Craig Davis, and Faith Davis, Pylesville, MD; and Ryan Donoghue and K.J. Donoghue, Silver Spring, MD; two sisters, Louise Davis Ruff, Dover, DL; Katherine Davis Scarborough, Towson, MD; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, on February 6, 2008, and by his brothers, Jim and Jack Davis.

Services were held at Fawn United Methodist Church, Fawn Grove, PA, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, with interment at Fawn Grove Cemetery immediately following. Military honors were presented by the United States Army Honor Guard. Contributions in Charles' memory may be made to Fawn United Methodist Church, 67 S. Main Street, Fawn Grove, PA. 17321