Arthur "Art" Dávila

Art Dávila passed away on May 1, 2024, at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center. Art was born on August 9, 1943, to Camilo and Martha (Garcia) Dávila in Crow Agency, Montana.

The Dávila family, which included ten siblings and parents, moved to Washington State in the mid-1940s. They began their small family farming business in Wapato and then moved to Toppenish to work for a local farmer for many years.

Art attended junior and senior high in Granger, WA, where he was a team member for Track and Field. He took Regionals and State Titles in the Triple Jump, Broad Jump, and Discus Throwing events. Art graduated from Granger High School in 1963. At Granger High School, he met the love of his life, Carmen Cervantes, Granger High School, Class of 1965. They were inseparable sweethearts from 1962-1965. On May 24, 1965, they eloped to Yakima, WA, and would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this May 24.

They moved to Walla Walla in November 1967, when Art started working as a correctional officer at the Washington State Penitentiary. After nine years, he transferred to the Walla Walla School District #140 as a Trades Assistant II for 37 years. He mowed all the school lawns, filled in on different levels, and did other assignments. You could call him a “Jack of all Trades.”

Art was known by many as a kind, funny, strong, proud, and hardworking man. He was the best husband, father, and papa. We welcomed our first granddaughter, Jessica, in 1995 and our second granddaughter, Danielle, in 1997.

Art enjoyed sharing his family life with anyone who would listen. He did the best he could and was very proud of his son and daughter, granddaughters, and recently his first great-granddaughter, Emelia Grace Magaña.

Art enjoyed woodworking, creating miscellaneous furniture items, and landscaping. He was a self-taught guitar player and would often play CCR, ZZ Top, and numerous Blues and Rock artists. He also enjoyed planting and growing long-stemmed flowers for display at Sunday Church Services at the First Congregational Church.

Art and Carmen have spent most of the last four years in poor health. The last eight months took its toll on them. After three surgeries, Art never completely recovered. God knows what kind of pain and discomfort Art was facing every day.

He was forever thankful that he found the First Congregational Church. This was the beginning of a “saved” life, and due to Shirley Fouts’s help, he finally found himself in a safe place. Thank you to all the First Congregational Church members for their love and support of our family.

Thank you to the Park Manor Rehabilitation Center, Providence St. Mary Medical Center, and Regency at the Park for their caring and gentle care.

Art is survived by his wife, Carmen; his son, David; and daughter, Dawnie Dávila; two beautiful granddaughters, Jessica Carrasco (Jose) and Danielle Magaña (Damian); great-granddaughter, Emelia Grace Magaña; four sisters, Lydia Dávila of Spokane, Elois Cummins (Jim) of Kennewick, Rachel Budd (Denny) of Spokane, and Irene Dávila of Westport, OR; brother, Cam Dávila of Modesto, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Juanita and Eva; two brothers, Milo and Henry; and numerous family members, a sister-in-law, Delores Ramos, and uncle, Lino Rojas.

Reverend Ann-Marie Illsley of the First Congregational Church officiated at services on May 9. A private family interment followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Alliance for the Mentally Ill through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.