Tony Davis was born on August 31, 1987 to two very proud parents, Mike Davis and Missy Tilson. His big sister, Megan (Davis) Miglianti, welcomed him with open nurturing arms. She adored her little brother even though she was hoping for a little sister! Megan was a wonderful big sister to Tony and allowed him to hang out with her when all of her girlfriends were over. He loved to make them laugh. They still to this day consider him “their” little brother too. Megan and Tony also shared a love for their parent’s generation of music…after all it was the best!
In 1993, Tony became a big brother when his mom, Missy remarried and Joe Roles was born. Tony enjoyed teaching Joe important things like how to take batteries out of toys and stockpile them in his closet. In their adult lives one of Joe’s favorite memories was when the two of them were sitting in Joe’s garage and it was pouring down rain. They were listening to Michael Jackson tunes and they decided to go out and dance like Michael in the rain. If you never saw Tony dance you really missed a show. Tony had a way of instigating fun and bringing out the lightheartedness in people.
Tony was always an animal lover and at an early age, became known as “The cat whisperer”. He loved his cats throughout his life… Cashew, Haley, Samantha (Sam), Poots and Ollie. He even taught one of his kitties how to fetch like a dog.
In 1996, Tony gained two sisters, Kara Wilder and Christy (Mark) Wright and a brother Kylen Wilder when his father, Mike remarried. He loved his extended family so much. He had a special bond with his stepmom, Kendra Davis. He always made her feel special and loved.
In 1997, another little Brother, Connor Davis, joined Tony’s life. When Connor was little Tony loved to show him off to his friends. He would get him to say or do silly things to make them laugh. Tony had such a great sense of humor. Tony enjoyed going to the lake with Megan, Kara, Kylen and Connor. Tony and Kylen loved playing video games together. In addition, Tony shared a love of various genres of music with his siblings. He and his sister Kara enjoyed sharing their life struggles with each other and being there for one another in the later years.
In 2010, Tony’s extended family grew even more; when Tony’s mom Missy married Anthony Tilson. Tony made Anthony feel like he belonged in this family and accepted him with open arms. He made sure Anthony felt his love. Along with gaining Anthony, he gained six more extended Tilson siblings…James (Megan), Alec, William (Madde), Elizabeth, Jenny and Maria. He never referred to any of his extended siblings as a step brothers or sisters. They were all his brothers and sisters. He had a special gift and had room in his heart for everyone.
Tony grew up in Homestead Woods, Nottingham by the Green and Fairfield Manor. He spent his younger days playing with his best buddy Adam Kmak. The two were inseparable and always engaging in shenanigans. Tony attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa, Kansas and was a graduate of the class of 2006 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Tony was loved by so many of his classmates and teachers.
Tony enjoyed playing baseball from age five to eighteen. He played many positions but enjoyed being a catcher and pitcher the most. His mom Missy loved watching him play and he loved to tease her about “the one” game she missed in all the years he played when he hit a homerun and she wasn’t there to see it. Tony and Missy’s bond was like no other. Missy was grateful to call him her son. He ran track when he attended Holy Trinity and won many ribbons for his speed. But when high school years came upon him… so did opponents with much longer legs!
Immediately after high school Tony joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served four years. He made many friends throughout his time in the service and he spoke of them often. He was very honored to be a Marine. Semper Fidelis…”The Few, The Proud”.
Tony was a man of many talents. Throughout his working career he managed a number of businesses including restaurants and car washes. He was a loyal and dedicated employee no matter where he worked. He had culinary skills and enjoyed creating new recipes in the kitchen, watching the KC Chiefs, going to Royal’s games with his Dad, watching “Friends” episodes and spending time planning a future with his fiancé, Megan Simms and her children, Tristin, Westley and especially Lyric who he adored. He loved holidays with friends and family. Tony’s main purpose in life was to make people laugh and to let them know they were loved and not alone in the crazy world.
Besides the family members listed above, Tony is survived by his Brother-in-law, Kevin Miglianti, Nephews Tyler and Gus Miglianti, Niece Claire Miglianti, Nephews Clayton Wright, Colton (Jordan), Kalin, Collin and Cordell Boyd. Niece Lydia Wilder-Whitehead, Grandma Edna Smith, Uncle Scott and Aunt Melinda Marquess. Cousins Stephanie Marquess and Lauren Marquess. Aunt Diane Davis, Aunt Mary Hatlesohl (Jeff), Uncle Paul Davis, Cousins Camille Thompson, Jason Bost, James Halligan and Joey Noblet.
He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Lloyd (Skeeter) and Margaret Stevenson, Aunt Mardella Stevenson; Paternal Grandparents, Leroy and Mary Davis; Uncles Jimmy Davis and David Davis and Brother, Kylen Wilder.
Tony never met a stranger and had a heart full of compassion and love to give. He could light up a room and was the life of the party. We always knew when Tony was around a good time would be had by all.
Our family is heartbroken beyond belief but the outpouring of love and condolences we are receiving will help us get through the grief, loss, and sadness we are experiencing. Thank you all for being a part of Tony’s life story. Rest in peace our handsome son. You are so loved.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be Saturday, June 11, 2022 hosted by his parents, Missy and Anthony Tilson and Mike and Kendra Davis at the Tilson home, 5323 Aberdeen Road, Fairway, Kansas 66205. It will be an open house from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm. Please feel free to stop by and share your stories and memories of Tony. The family wishes anyone attending to please RSVP below.
Please dress comfortably as this will be outdoors.
A special thanks to Father Gary Pennings for the comfort you brought to our family during this most difficult time.
Tony was magic. He always knew exactly what each of us needed.
Goodbye for now Speeda!
To view Tony's Tribute Video, please click here .
Great Plains SPCA
5424 Antioch Drive, Merriam KS 66202
Tel:
1-913-831-7722
Web:
https://greatplainsspca.salsalabs.org/memorials/index.html
Wayside Waifs
3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City MO 64137
Tel:
1-816-761-8151
Web:
http://www.waysidewaifs.org
Unleashed Animal Rescue
5918 Broadmoor, Mission KS 66202
Web:
https://www.unleashedrescue.com/donate/
Tilson home
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