Edward Victor Davis

MADISON - Edward Victor Davis, age 70, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on September 16, 2025, at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Born on August 10, 1955, in Reno, Nevada, Ed was the son of Gerald and Carol Davis. As the child of a U.S. Air Force serviceman, he grew up in a proud military family and graduated high school while living abroad. In 1975, he followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a 20-year career marked by quiet discipline and loyalty. His service took him to duty stations in Greece, Texas, Michigan, Louisiana, and Germany. After retiring from the military, Ed continued serving fellow veterans at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, where he later retired.

Ed found comfort in life’s quieter pleasures. A morning coffee drinker, he enjoyed the simplicity of a fresh cup and a good book, a Western on the TV, or classic country music on the radio. Each summer, he and his fiancée, Deb, organized camping trips with their grandchildren - full of fishing, campfires, and tall tales with just enough teasing, straight-faced nonsense to keep the kids guessing. Over the years, their time at the campground became a treasured tradition, filled with lasting friendships and quiet contentment. Though often reserved in social settings, those closest to him knew a man who may not have said much, but always showed up when it mattered.

He is survived by his fiancée of 24 years, Debra DiSalvo; his children, Amy (Steven) Johnson and Jason (Emily) Davis; and his grandchildren, Kory (Kelsi), Courtney, Jayden, Austin, Nathan, and Symone; as well as his great-granddaughter, Poppy. Through Deb, his family grew to include her children, Lesa (Kreg) Waage and Christopher (Kristi) Gribble; grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley), Stephan, Mason, Ike, Jonathon, Oscar, and Evelyn; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Lacey, Brayden, Emma, Ryleigh, and Weston.

He is also survived by his siblings, Lena McClellan, Jerry (Lisa) Davis, and Bryan (Robin) Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Draeving-Hammock.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Gunderson Funeral Home, where the American flag rests with him - a final tribute to a life of service. The family will honor him privately. His legacy lives on in stories shared at family gatherings - the quiet remembrance of a man who proudly served and loved in ways that will not be forgotten.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761