Longtime member passing

[Sparky-(Admin) 24,762]

Although he wasn’t active here the last few years, he was at one time very active. I’m sure plenty of you remember The Duke.

  Bob Davis was only 68.

RIP @HorseFixer

  

[Sparky-(Admin) 24,762]

Robert Campbell Davis, age 68, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 9, 1957, in Niles, Michigan.

Robert was a man of deep love, kindness, and wisdom. Known by many as “The Duke,” he was strong-willed, dependable, and a lifelong friend to those fortunate enough to know him. If Robert gave his word, he kept it.

A devoted Christian, Robert was a faithful attendee of Hope Community Church, where he cherished fellowship with friends and family. He found joy in bringing people together and was always looking forward to his next visit with loved ones.

Robert was truly a jack of all trades. He owned and operated Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning, where he applied his skills in HVAC with pride and dedication. He also served for 21 years with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department as a Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, always striving to save the county money and improve operations wherever he could.

A proud veteran, Robert served his country in the United States Navy, and military honors will be rendered as part of his service.

He had a passion for life and a wide range of hobbies. Robert loved fishing, camping, and traveling. He was deeply interested in technology, including flying drones and 3D printing. A licensed pilot, he owned his own plane at the Niles airport and found great joy in flying.

He was also a talented musician who loved playing the harmonica and guitar, with a collection of over 50 harmonicas. In addition, he was an avid Wheel Horse tractor enthusiast, rebuilding tractors and snow equipment, and even contributed writings to Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine.

Robert was a dedicated Freemason and Shriner who gave back to his community in meaningful ways. He made multiple trips to Shriners Hospitals transporting children and played an active role in organizing the Shriners Christmas Party. He helped collect gifts and create memorable experiences for children, ensuring the joy extended beyond the event through thoughtful goodie bags and continued celebrations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Mae (Davidson) Davis and William Campbell Davis; his siblings William C. Davis (twin), Pamela A. Roberts, and Brenda S. Leverence; and his nephew Jonathan Latislaw.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Maryjane (Harkrider) Davis; his children, Rebecca L. Davis and Mindy M. Haynes and her husband Ronald Haynes; and his cherished grandchildren Lalique Haynes, Hennasey Mahone and her husband Deshaun Mahone, Brooklyn Wade, and Harlem Wade. He is also survived by two expected great-grandchildren, the Mahone twins.

He is further survived by his sisters Dolores M. Roemke and Carmel D. Fey and her husband Curtis Fey; his nephews Matthew Latislaw and his wife Kyanna, Philip Latislaw, Harold and wife (Kali) Roberts Jr (twin) Michael and wife (Angie) Roberts, William Roberts and wife Daphne Roberts; and his nieces Anna Latislaw, Kelly Poulos and Jennifer Robert.

Robert’s legacy of love, generosity, and ingenuity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00pm-2:00pm family member viewing, 2:00pm-3:00pm public viewing, 3:00pm-4:00pm Service at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan .A luncheon will follow the service at the FOP Lodge in Niles at 5:00pm. 

Browns Funeral Home & Cremation Services (521 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120)

FOP LODGE 95 (531 N State St, Niles, MI 49120)

[stevasaurus 23,644]

Rest in Peace Bob !!  

 

[JCM 10,969]

I have had a few text with Duke over the years. He did a beautiful job on his 520- H Snow Chucker after the C 120 was sort of under powered with the 2 Stage blower. Inside the cab it looked like Las Vegas at night. We both were members of the Masons and Shriners and served as officers and worked our way up to serving as Master of our local lodge's. Quite a guy with many talents as well. I remember he was telling me he had a very bad experience with a Chiropractor and he was never really the same. We never met in person but I  consider him a friend.     Rest in Peace my brother.    

[Blackhood Bill 728]

May Godspeed be with your family and friends. I’m sorry for your loss.

[squonk 45,797]

My favorite memory on Skype. Bob was a big Michigan guy. Had Michigan rugs, blankets,  flags and even toilet paper! One night on Skype was me , Duke, Jim D, @stevasaurus and @C101powerplower (Koen) 

 

Of course the topic was Big 10 football and Koen made a sarcastic comment about Michigan, Well Duke went nuts!!! Jim D an Ohio St. guy was sitting in one of those old metal swivel desk chairs with the big recliner spring. He started laughing and reared back and flipped the chair over!  He completely disappeared behind the desk and his head phones went flying. Never forget that night! 

[c-series don 11,686]

I’d like to add that “The Duke” was my inspiration for me to get a tractor with a cab and two stage blower. I remember him posting those videos here on RS with his “Snow Chucker” and thinking that I need one of those!! He had all those gadgets in the cab😂 and was the first person I ever saw add rubber paddles to the impeller to get some more chucking capability! 
 

 So Rest In Peace Bob, your talent and love for these machines did not go unnoticed. Your fellow Wheel Horse enthusiasts will never forget you ❤️ God bless you.

[rmaynard 16,974]

The only guy I ever knew that had a Hula dancer in the cab of his snow chucker.

 

[MikesRJ 561]

RIP, Robert.

[JCM 10,969]

28 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

The only guy I ever knew that had a Hula dancer in the cab of his snow chucker.

 

Yes he did.

[Pullstart 69,215]

So sad to hear.  I really need to finish the front end loader he started, I’m so close.
 

He was one of the first few semi-local guys I met in this hobby, and we talked for about 2 hours it seemed while I was picking up a tiller from his house.  Momma wasn’t quite impressed with our ability to never end the discussion, and neither were my young kids in the Suburban  

[953 nut 64,626]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Duke but wish I had. May God be with his family and comfort them during this time of loss.

[WHX?? 55,685]

Met him when I joined in '15. Kinda thought he was a dink at first but then got to know him and he was helpful on a few of my projects. I used his tricks on my deuce. We used to yak about the HVAC trade & the Navy.  The 520 the FEL is on came thru him, was so clean and  well tuned and the best 520 I have. 

Now every time I hop on will think of him. 

RIP Bob. 

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,851]

I met Duke and his wife MJ a number of times, at one time he was a very active participant and I had often wondered why he dropped out.  Rest in Peace Duke.

[Dan 312-8 475]

Rest in Peace Duke.