Claude Ray Davis

Claude Davis, 94, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born February 1, 1931, to Epsie and Annie (nee Perry) Davis in Tallula, Illinois. Claude graduated from Greenview High School in 1949. He later joined the United States Army and served in Germany from 1951 until he was discharged in 1953. After his service, he married Mary Hansen on July 24, 1954, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg. He and Mary loved to travel the eastern part of the United States. Claude was a self-employed contractor who built many homes in his lifetime and he enjoyed every minute of it. He attended several all-men’s gatherings called the Promise Keepers in several states. He was also an elder and Sunday school superintendent at a former church and recently attended First Baptist Church. He was invited to take the Honor Flight in 2013 which he was very proud of. Claude is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary; his daughters, Denise (husband Bruce) Boeker, Brenda (companion Mark Rebbe) Davis and Teresa (husband Mike) Sexton; his grandchildren, Jenna Boeker, Brandon Boeker, Bridget Davis, Devin Sexton and Brady Sexton; and his great grandchildren, Emily Bennett, Kaci Boeker, Lainey Barth, Landyn Barth, Joslyn Boeker and Dylan Sexton. Claude was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Greg Davis; a grandson, Dylan Sexton; and his siblings, Perry Davis, Louise Feese, Marie Davis, Ira Davis, Leslie Davis and Danny Davis. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, also at the funeral home, with Pastor Rob Gallion officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg with military rites performed by the Menard County Inter Veterans Ceremony Unit. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church at 103 W. Sangamon St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation at 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York 10306, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Claude’s family with arrangements. Please visit his online obituary at hurleyfh.com.

Claude Ray Davis

February 1, 1931 - March 3, 2025

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services