Christopher R. Davis

Christoper Davis, 73, of Salem, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at his home.

Chris was the oldest of three boys born to Roy Edward and Neva Geraldeen (Scott) Davis in Guttenberg, Iowa, on March 26, 1952. Chris went to several different schools in Northeast Iowa growing up. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with Tammy, camping, hunting, and working on cars.

On May 27, 1971, he married Juanita M. Allison of Manchester, Iowa. To this marriage they had two sons Christopher Jr. and Cameron Lynn. The couple divorced in 1990.

On December 3, 1990, Chris married Kimmy Lee Murphy of Carmen, Illinois, which she gave him two stepdaughters, Amiee M. and Angela L. Tisor. During their marriage they bought a small farm west of Salem and enjoyed raising cattle and farming. Kimmy passed away from cancer in September 2006.

Chris was united in marriage to the love of his life and soulmate, Tamera Lynn Kern, on March 25, 2008. Chris and Tammy enjoyed farming, and they built their new home themselves on their small farm west of Salem.

Throughout Chris’ career he was a carpenter, welder, mechanic, police officer, heavy equipment operator, farmer, and owner operator truck driver. In December 1979, Chris graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and started his police career Monticello, Iowa. In March 1982, he moved to Mount Pleasant and worked as a Sergeant on the Mount Pleasant Police Department until 1990. Chris started Davis Backhoe Service in 1990, and operated it until 1995. Chris was also a deputy sheriff with the Henry County Sheriff’s Department from 1990 to 1992. In 1995, Chris got out of law enforcement altogether and was an owner operator truck driver and farmer until retiring from trucking in 2013. Chris enjoyed helping friends, family, and the public when needed.

Chris is survived by his wife Tammy; one son Cameron Davis of Wellman; two stepdaughters Amiee Tisor of Salem, Angela (Kurt) Williamson of Burlington; five grandchildren Caleb Davis, Cole Davis, Taylor (Carlos) Rounceville, Sidney Davis, and Eva Rounceville. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, son Chris, two brothers Roy Davis Jr. and Gerald Davis.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, at the funeral home. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial funds have been established for Salem Fire Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Chris and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com