Roger E. Davis

Roger E. Davis, 73, of Topeka, passed away August 26, 2013. He was born November 7, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Viles and Mildred (Brehmer) Davis.

Roger was a 1957 graduate of Princeville High School. He joined the US Air Force and served from 1961 – 1964. Roger was employed as a Driver's License Examiner/CDL Examiner with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Driver's License Department for 27 years, 9 months and 7 days! He married Pamela C. Kotel on July 11, 1971 in Frankfort, KS. She preceded Roger in death on December 22, 2011.

At the age of 12, he began steel guitar lessons. Roger was an accomplished steel guitar player and played with many bands through the years. He worked with a band on a local radio station in Peoria, Illinois. Roger fronted country stars such as Farron Young, Carl Smith, Ray Price and many other country western stars throughout his musical career. He played with the Town & Country Boys, The James Gang Band, The String Kings, The Country Showmen, The Misty Men Band and the Marv Hoffman Band. Roger also entertained the troops in Europe and the US. He was considered one of the best steel guitarists in Topeka and surrounding area by his fans. Roger and his wife attended Scotty's International Steel Guitar Convention yearly and met and made many friends from around the world. He loved to work in the yard and garden every year growing tomatoes and other vegetables. He shared them with co-workers and neighbors. Roger loved to feed the doves and other birds on his patio.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery at 6th & Gage. Mr. Davis will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka after 3:00 pm on Friday, August 30th. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm.

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