Wilbur Dean Davis

Wilbur Dean Davis, 87, passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2026, near Ellicott, Colorado. He was born to Virgil Arthur Davis and Lucille Alice (Walters) on August 13, 1938, in Hugo, Colorado, the second of four children. The family lived at the ranch near the Big Sandy creek south of Boyero, Colorado. He took care of milk cows, chickens, beef cattle, horses, potatoes, and other chores, and he was in athletics and graduated from Hugo High School in 1957. As a teenager, he started working as a cow-hand on JOD Ranch west of Boyero. By the fall of 1959, he drove 100 miles on weekends to Denver to date Elaine Lawrence. After being wed in Hugo in 1960, they were happily married for over 65 years. Wilbur became the JOD Ranch foreman running 800 cow-calf pairs by 1965. He remained manager when JOD sold to Robert C. Norris in 1971, and then when they moved to T-Cross Ranch at Ellicott, Colorado, in 1981. Wilbur and Elaine leased the neighbor's land to run their own little herd of beef cattle. In 2015, Wilbur retired from T-Cross. They bought their first home in the same area that he always referred to as the banana belt for its good weather, and they could still run cattle and have a beautiful view of Pikes Peak. While at Boyero, he enjoyed the roping club, bowling, and helping his children in 4-H. Wilbur tried to never miss the football, volleyball, and basketball games his children participated in, no matter how far he had to travel. He enjoyed going to his grandkids games throughout the years and spending time with all of the family at annual summer vacations. He greatly enjoyed seeing his son coach girls softball and basketball. All of his life, he was well-regarded as an excellent cattleman who truly cared about the animals and the land used for grazing. He always liked helping his neighbors when needed. He was proud that his son and grandson continued in the cattle business. Wilbur will be missed by his older brother, Arthur Davis, of Boyero, CO, his 2 children, Terry Best (Darvin) of Roswell, NM, and Roger (Dale) Davis of La Junta, CO. His 3 grandchildren, Lee (Mariah) Davis and Annie Davis of La Junta, CO, and Katie (Doug) Gossett of Johnstown, CO. His 8 great-grandchildren, Rachel, Ezra, Nathan, and Caleb Davis, and Levi, Bryer, Kyra, and Sawyer Gossett. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and both of his sisters, Bette Kay Emmerling of Boyero, CO, and Joyce Ann Davis of Virginia. A special thank you to his friend, Bill Waddoups, of Ellicott, CO, for always lending him a helping hand. Wilbur’s celebration of life will occur on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm at Living Cornerstone Fellowship, 104 5th St, Hugo, Colorado, with luncheon and visitation following service. Per his wishes, his ashes will be lovingly placed on the ranch, beside his wife, with a view of Pikes Peak, at a later date.

Wilbur Dean Davis

August 13, 1938 - February 13, 2026