Louis Davis, a beloved educator, coach, farmer, and family man, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at his winter home in Mexico, surrounded by loved ones. He was 87. 
There will be no funeral service.
Louis Earl Davis was born June 16, 1937, and grew up in Page, N.D., where he graduated from Page High School. He went on to attend North Dakota State University (“Go, Bison!”), earning his undergraduate degree, and later his Master’s in Science and Administration from Moorhead State University. After completing his studies, Louis returned to Page where he married his high school sweetheart and began a lifetime of service to his community. He served as the principal of Page schools, taught science, and coached the high school football team – all while farming the family homestead and raising three sons.
In 1972, Louis moved his family to Kimball, Minn., where he became the high school principal. During his time in Kimball, he not only guided the school but also left a lasting legacy by establishing a nature preserve. All three of his sons graduated from Kimball Area High School before the family relocated once again.
In 1982, Louis became the principal of the school in St. John, N.D., where he plyed a pivotal role in securing grant funding for a new elementary school. His dedication to education and community-building was unwavering.
In 1985, Louis and his wife Kathryn “Kathy” (Stenerson) moved to Oakland, Ore., where he taught ninth-grade science until his retirement. He built a farmhouse and a barn, and returned to his roots of a farmer. Even in his later years, Louis continued to inspire and shape young minds, leaving an indelible mark on every community he served.
In his retirement years, Louis and Kathy wintered in Los Barriles, Mexico, where he loved to take his 16-foot Alumacraft boat out fishing on the Sea of Cortez. He never put away his tool belt while in Mexico. He helped build a garage and guesthouse for his family to stay when they visited.
Louis’s contributions went far beyond the classroom. In Page, he helped develop a new playground and tennis courts. In St. John, he worked tirelessly to improve educational facilities. And, wherever he went, Louis was known for his courage and believe in others – whether it was co-signing loans for struggling students, or encouraging them to finish school and succeed.
Louis Davis was a man of discipline and determination who believed that, “if the sun had not set, there was still time for work to get done.” He will be remembered for his boundless energy, his deep commitment to education, and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.
Louis was preceded in death by his son Gregg.
He is survived by his first wife Patricia “Pat” Weber, and sons Jeff and Tim; his current wife Kathy, and her children Heidi and Tony. He also leaves behind a proud legacy of nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local school or community project in Louis’s honor.