Donald “Don” Burton Davis July 8, 1944 - September 20, 2026

Donald “Don” Burton Davis
July 8, 1944 – September 20, 2026

Donald “Don” Burton Davis, 82, passed away suddenly on September 20, 2026, in Modesto, California, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was surrounded by his family when he went to be with Jesus.

Don was born on July 8, 1944, in Turlock, California, to Burton and Lucille Davis, and he grew up there. He attended Modesto Junior College and in 1967 began a 35-year career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He took on many roles there over the years, and by the end he was managing the Lab’s supercomputer facility. He retired in 2002.
Don met his lifelong love, Jan, at a Free Methodist church camp, and they married in November 1968 in San Jose, California. They raised their daughter, Donna, and son, Rob, in Pleasant Hill before settling in Modesto, where they spent many years.

Don was a devoted, smart, and serious man with a playful side his family knew and loved. He could be counted on for a silly joke at just the right moment. His grandchildren will always remember his Donald Duck voice, which he’d bring out any time he wanted to get them laughing.

Some of his happiest times were spent camping with Jan and their family. Trips to Yosemite and the beach gave all of them memories they will always treasure. In retirement, Don and Jan took their trailer across the country, visiting family and seeing as much of it as they could. Faith was at the center of Don’s life, and for many years he was deeply involved at Modesto Free Methodist Church.

For his last few years, Don was lovingly cared for at Bethany Home memory care in Ripon, CA. His family is grateful to the staff for their kindness.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Lucille Davis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan; his daughter, Donna Michaelis; his son, Rob; his sister, Jan Houser; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Modesto Free Methodist Church, 1520 Rose Ave, Modesto, CA 95355.