James Daves Obituary

James Ronald “Ron” Daves, 88, of Bowling Green, formerly of Owensboro, passed away on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at his home in Bowling Green. He was born May 31, 1937 in Hopkins County to the late James Cromer and Martha Witherspoon Daves. Ron was retired as Director of Governmental Affairs with Texas Gas Transmission and the Williams Company. He and his wife Betty were longtime members of First Christian Church before moving to Bowling Green. Ron received a Bachelors degree in Industrial Technology from Western Kentucky University and became a Professional Engineer. He loved spending time with his family after moving to Bowling Green and enjoyed working in his yard. Ron was a U. S. Air Force veteran and received an Airman of the Year honor one of the years while he was in and was very patriotic person, had served on the board of Wendell Foster Center, umpired baseball and refereed football and basketball, and also had been on the board of the former Owensboro Regatta. Ron also held his private pilot’s license.

Ron was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Patricia Daves on March 21, 2014 and a sister and her husband, Patsy Gail and Don Crawford.

Surviving are his children, Tracy Daves (Delena) of Bowling Green, Troy Daves (Trina) of Morgantown, and Ronda Copeland (John) of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Senior Chief Brandon Daves (Deanna) of Petaluma, California, U. S. Coast Guard, Casey Daves (Erin) of Yuma, Arizona, Leah Daves of Tampa, Florida, 2nd Lt. Egan Copeland of Columbus, Georgia, U. S. Army,and Stella Copeland of Bowling Green; stepgrandchildren, Kyle Heifner (Laura) of Ashley, Illinois and M’Lisse Elstrom (Robbie) of Bowling Green; great grandchildren, Cecelia Frances Daves, Elsie Jo Daves, and Hunter Edward Daves; step great grandchildren, Jeffrey and Nori Boone, Alaina Ann and Kaius Eric Heifner; a sister, Yvonne Whitfield (Jack) of Madisonville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 11 AM until 2:30 PM Friday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. A private service will be held in the Chapel of Rosehill Cemetery with military honors and burial following.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.