Kenneth Davis Obituary

Kenneth (Ken or Kenny) Wayne Davis Jr., loving husband, devoted father, deeply proud grandfather, and respected business owner, passed away in La Quinta, California, on June 20, 2025, at the age of 83. Ken lived a life defined by strong values, loyal friendship, generosity, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, and raised in Battle Creek, Ken graduated from Central Michigan University before moving to California in pursuit of sunshine and opportunity. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and began his career at Shell Oil. In 1967 Ken married Karen Forest, and two years later they opened K&K Shell in San Jose. Later, Ken became President of the San Jose Chapter of the National Service Station Dealers Association, advocating for independent station owners statewide and in Washington, D.C.
In 1976, Ken co-founded Quality Tune-Up Shops, a successful chain that became a Northern California institution. Over five decades, it provided small business ownership opportunities to hundreds and jobs to thousands – an achievement he held with great pride.
In 1980, Ken, Karen, and their two children, Scot and Julie, moved to Saratoga, CA. where Ken quickly became an active and cherished member of the community, including serving as President of the Saratoga High Booster Club for several years. No matter how busy he was at work, you could always find Ken, sporting his bright red Saratoga Falcons jacket, cheering at Scot and Julie's games. One of his fondest memories was hosting the 1987 Saratoga High Football team at his home every Thursday night during their CCS Championship playoff run, treating them to steak dinners and motivational speeches - delivered by Ken, of course.
After nearly 28 years of marriage, Karen passed away in 1995. Ken was fortunate to find love again, and on June 6, 1998, he married Louisa who affectionately called him "Kenny." Together with Louisa's three children, Virginia, Ken, and Stephanie, they built a close-knit, blended family that eventually grew to include 12 beloved grandchildren. From festive holiday gatherings to vacations in Maui, La Quinta, and Turks & Caicos, Kenny found joy in bringing his family together, creating unforgettable memories, and giving without expectation.
Kenny had a magnetic personality and a zest for life that made everyone feel welcome and inspired. He loved sports, especially the Giants, 49ers, and USC Trojans, and was a tireless supporter of his children and grandchildren. Ken ("Papa") and Louisa ("Grandma") traveled far and wide to attend games, plays, musicals, birthdays, and graduations. He also enjoyed political debates, rounds of golf, Diet Coke, Spring Training trips with friends, strawberry milkshakes, afternoons at the movies, and regular casino trips with Louisa. Fiercely patriotic, he had a deep and vocal love for his country.
Above all, Kenny was the heart and soul of his family, the patriarch whose strength, humor, and warmth uplifted every gathering. His family was his greatest joy and enduring legacy.
Kenny is predeceased by his first wife, Karen Davis; his parents, Kenneth W. Davis Sr. and Tressa; his sisters, Joan DePung (Gary) and Sharon Stahl; his brother-in-law, Kent Forest; his father-in-law, Tony Forest; and his mother-in-law, Mary Forest.
He is survived by his wife, Louisa; his children, Scot Davis (Ericka), Julie Campagna (Marco), Virginia Nicoletti (Brett), Ken Henderson Jr., and Stephanie McLaughlin (Chris); and grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Kenny, Cole, Isabella, Ally, Trevor, Francesca, Olivia, Nicholas, Gianluca, Brandon, and Kyle. Though our loss is profound, the memories Kenny leaves behind will remain forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and for generations to come.
A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Thursday, July 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Place, Saratoga, California 95070, followed by a reception To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit our floral store.