Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah, 04 Sep 1941
BRIGHAM CITY', Sept. 4 Richard E. Davis, 81, prominent resident of Box Elder County and former warden of the Utah Prison, was found dead In bed Wednesday at the home of his son, George H. Davis, of Garland. Death was attributed to age. Mr. Davis was born Oct. 6, 1859, in Willard, son of Richard J. and Rebecca Morban Davis, early Utah pioneers. He was reared and educated in Wilard and spent his youth in farming and tock raising at Willard and Malad, Ida. He began railroading on the old Utah Northern railroad in 1867, continuing at this occupation until 1893. He was elected sheriff of Box Elder County in 1894 and served two terms, being the first sheriff, after statehood. As an active member of the Chinch, he performed a mission in Wales from 1899 to 1901. Upon his return he was engaged for 13 years in the canning business at Willard and Ogden, with the exception of two years when he was employed at Salt Lake. He was appointed to the State Land Board in 1917 by Gov. Simon Bamberger and served four years, being president of the board the last two years of his term. He was appointed warden of the Utah State Prison in 1921, by Gov. George H. Dern, where he remained for 12 years, serving a second term under Governor Dern, and one term by appointment of Gov. Henry H. Blood.
His wife. Emma J. Davis, died in 1936, and since his retirement from the prison he has resided in Brigham City and Garland.

Mr. Davis is survived by the following children; Attorney William E. Davis, Brigham City; George H. Davis, Garland; Mrs. E W. Benes, New York City; Wynn L. Davis, Wlllard; ten grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Surviving also are the following brothers and sisters: Moses C Davis, R. C. Davis, R. L. Davis and Mrs. Letitia Rondot, Los Angeles; John C. Davis. Ogden; S. L. Davis, Heyburn. Ida , Mrs, Lavenin Hillstrom, Brigham City, and Mrs. E. F. Schettler, Salt Lake.
Services will be announced.