Hugh Davis

Hugh Davis was born on August 28, 1936 and passed away September 10, 2026 at the Medical Center of the Rockies. Hugh’s boyhood and early education took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. At one point, his family lived in an old farmhouse, with dirt floors, on Monticello Mountain, across the road from the home of Thomas Jefferson. Hugh studied civil engineering at the University of Virginia before joining the Air Force in 1956 as an Aviation Cadet. He earned his pilot’s wings before he had a driver’s license. Hugh had an extensive Air Force career, serving for 24 years. While on active duty, he had the opportunity to complete his education at the University of Pittsburg and the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. 

Hugh served as a fighter pilot during the first half of his Air Force career. He flew the F-86, the F-102 and the F-105. During the Vietnam era, he completed 100 missions over North Vietnam. His Air Force career also took him to Morocco, Thailand, Germany and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., he was stationed in Ohio, California, Georgia, Kansas City, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Nevada. He received many awards during his flying career: the Silver Star for valor, along with three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and several Air Medals. 

Hugh retired from the Air Force in 1980 and he and his wife, Helen, began civilian life in Colorado with their two daughters, Katherine and Julie. After a year in the Engineering Department at the University of Colorado, Hugh began a second career as an aerospace engineer for Ball Aerospace in Boulder, retiring in 2001. After living in Boulder and Coal Creek Canyon for several years, Hugh and Helen moved to Fort Collins in 2006. 

Hugh is survived by his wife and his three children: Brad (Barbara), Katherine and Julie, and his grandson, Jackson Davis. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Hugh’s parents, Aldine and Louise Davis, and two brothers, Jim Davis and Richard Davis predeceased him. 

Hugh lived a life of service, integrity, generosity and purpose. His family and others always came first. For many years he shared his flying experience as a volunteer instructor for Civil Air Patrol cadets. He volunteered as a math tutor for young students and later drove for SAINT, helping people who no longer drive. Retirement brought opportunities for worldwide travel and staying in touch with good friends. In later years, Hugh’s declining health kept him close to home, but he continued to enjoy time with those he loved and with those who loved him. 

A private burial service will be held at Ft. Logan Military Cemetery.