Douglas “Doug” Davis passed away on August 23, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 70, after years of living with cancer. His great loves were his wife, Kathleen “Kat” Bauer, and the natural world, which he explored through painting and photography.
Doug is best remembered outdoors: walking through the brush with his camera or standing by the water’s edge with a fishing pole in hand. The woods, fields, and wetlands of Northeast Iowa and the deserts and forests of Arizona were where he was happiest. He took a special interest in the flora and fauna wherever he went. An avid birder, he recognized most birds by sound or sight. In Iowa, he often visited Fayette County Conservation parks and Indian Creek Nature Center. In Arizona, observing the wild horses along the Salt River connected him to his snowbird home.
Born and raised in Hiawatha, Iowa, Doug graduated from Kennedy High School and later trained in art at Hawkeye Institute of Technology and Upper Iowa University. After college, he lived in Sioux Falls before returning to Iowa, where he began exhibiting his art. Doug and Kat began dating after first meeting at Upper Iowa University and married in 2003. Their life together embraced their creative ambitions. They also owned an art-framing business with Doug’s brother, Dan.
In his art, Doug expressed what he experienced in the outdoors. He covered a variety of subjects: a wildflower among the fall foliage, mallards flying over reeds and water, a collared lizard lounging in the layered desert landscape of the Petrified Forest. Some works drew close to a single subject, while others opened up a wider landscape. Accolades include consecutive Best of Show honors at the Bentonsport Art Show and selection as Pheasants Forever’s national button art in 2001. In 2011, he served as Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s first artist-in-residence, where he donated original artwork for its fundraising. He also supported Midwestern and Southwestern artists by acquiring their work and attending their shows.
Doug’s artworkDoug also enjoyed watching classic movies and Westerns, hunting with his brother Dan, and cooking for the people he loved. He embraced his family and friends, especially around food. A Davis family gathering was a full buffet: at least three meats, three desserts, and all the sides possible. He also expressed the same abundance in how he cared for those around him. He stepped up as Kat’s full-time caregiver while still pursuing his art. He brought the same generosity to his stepchildren and grandchildren, his brothers, and his parents. He was always there for the people around him.
Doug is survived by his wife, Kat Bauer; his stepchildren, Izzi Byrd and Marshall (David) Sunnes; his grandchildren, Enso Arthur-Sinclair Byrd, Alkhemia Shanti Love Byrd, and Zavier Azul Bonsai Byrd; his brother, Jeffrey (Pat) Davis; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry Joe and Sally M. Davis; his identical twin brother, Danny “Dan” J. Davis; and his brother, Michael A. “Mike” Davis.
Doug’s family extends its sincere thanks to Lynn and Ernie at Mayfair Eden Homes for the care they gave Doug, to Colleen and Dwight Ohrt for assisting Kat during Doug’s last days, and to the family and friends whose greetings marked his 70th birthday.