Richard Edward Davis

Richard Edward Davis, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend, passed away on July 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Richard was born and raised in Lynwood, California, where he enjoyed a joyous childhood with his two brothers. From a young age, Richard discovered his passion for swimming and water polo, which would profoundly shape his life. Richard attended Lynwood High School, and following his graduation, Richard proudly served his country as a member in the US Air Force. During this time, fate brought him together with his first wife, Patricia. Their 20-year marriage was filled with love and shared adventures until Patricia's untimely passing. Together, they raised their daughter, Lauren, in Fountain Valley, California, creating a loving and supportive family environment.

Richard's dedication to swimming extended beyond his own pursuits. When Lauren joined the Golden West Swim Club as a young swimmer, Richard found his calling as a volunteer, eventually becoming a highly respected meet official. For an incredible 38 years, Richard dedicated his time and expertise to officiating swim meets, including the Special Olympics. It was during his involvement with the Special Olympics that Richard met his beloved second wife, Karen, who shared his passion for making a difference through swimming. Richard's commitment to swim officiating brought him immense joy, and his mentorship enriched the lives of countless individuals.

Richard's heart overflowed with love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Davis, whose unwavering support and companionship were the foundation of their 17 years of marriage. Richard's daughter, Lauren Davis Sosenko, and her husband, Mike Sosenko, will forever hold his memory close, cherishing him as a devoted father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams. His grandchildren, Wyatt and Morgan, were the lights of his life, and he always showed up for their events and shared his love of movies with them. Richard is also survived by his twin brother, Robert (Beverly), and Karen’s daughters, Keri (Brett), Kim (Shannon), and Kristen (Anthony), and grandchildren, MaKenna, Kaela, Vincent, Sydney, Cooper, Rian, and Sawyer.

A memorial service will be held in Richard's honor on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 2:30-4:30 pm on the pool deck of Golden West College. We invite all friends, family, and those whose lives were touched by Richard to join us in celebrating his remarkable journey.