American Legion Post 204 is flying a special flag the month of August in honor of a fallen Airman and National Guardsman who was also a beloved educator with Seminole Public Schools.

This month’s flag, which flies in Veterans Park north of the Seminole Municipal Building, honors Gilman Davis, who passed away in November 2021.

Davis grew up in Oklahoma City with his parents and two younger brothers and graduated from Southeast High School in 1951. After spending two years at Central State University, Davis joined the United States Air Force where he served during peace time for four years.

After returning home, he married Nellie Eberhardt, with whom he had one daughter, Shelley Gayle. Gilman went back to college during that time and obtained his Bachelors of Education from Central State University. He began his teaching career at Culbertson Elementary and in 1971 the family moved to Seminole, where he taught seventh grade Social Studies for 20 years at Central School. Davis was instrumental in evacuating students from the Central building when it exploded Dec. 5, 1975.

Davis joined the Army National Guard and retired in 1995 after 20 years of service. After retiring, he and Nellie moved to Enid, where they lived in a retirement community. The couple traveled and took up woodcarving, a hobby in which they met many new friends and made lifetime memories with their “carving buddies.” He loved Gospel music and during his time in Seminole he would volunteer with his battalion to provide security for the Gospel Jubilee that took place every summer.

Davis was very involved in the Masons and served as Worshipful Master for two times. He loved participating in their fundraisers, such as the pancake breakfast. He also played softball for many years in Oklahoma City for his church team, Western Electric, and for any team that needed an extra player.

The local American Legion post honors a different deceased veteran each month, part of a national effort to bring awareness to local fallen service members. All veterans that have passed away are eligible to be honored. To nominate someone, contact Post Commander Carl Odom at

(405) 380-4615.