John Davis

John A. Davis, 85, of Franklin, passed away at Franklin Hospital on Monday, December 30, 2024. He was born in Newport, NH on December 1, 1939, the son of Pensy and Blanche (Duhamel) Davis. After the death of his father, John was raised by his mother and stepfather, George Barton. Before moving to Franklin, he lived in Salisbury for 32 years.

John served in the U.S. Army and worked in the manufacturing industry for JP Stevens Mills, Page Belting Company, and Contoocook Valley Paper Company.

John loved to be outdoors soaking up the sun. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, cutting and splitting cordwood and tending to his blueberries. He also enjoyed going to flea markets and auctions.

John earned a local reputation as the “Toolman”. He loved to restore antique tools, particularly antique cultivating plows, which he would restore using his trademark blue/black color scheme. He proudly displayed over 30 antique plows in his yard.

He leaves behind his partner of 14 years, Linda Eldridge, of Northfield; three daughters, Barbara Davis and partner Hugh Durack of Weare; Karen Marriott and partner John Slowik of Frankfurt, NY; Cindy Cilley and husband Matthew of Tilton; 4 grandchildren, Caroline Flint of Remsen, NY; Rebecca Slowik of West Winfield, NY; Layne and Brendan Cilley of Tilton and 5 great grandchildren; siblings Mary Margavich of Enfield, CT; Frank Davis of Concord; as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Carol Ann (Hill) Davis; his brother, Robert Davis of Contoocook and his parents.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Waterloo Cemetery in Warner, NH.