Mark Duane Davis (70) - On November 1, the Dodgers won the World Series. On November 2, their biggest fan, Mark Duane Davis, passed away at age 70 after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer. If your jaw drops reading that, you’re not alone — it’s almost as if he waited for that final win before taking his well-earned rest.
Born on February 22, 1955, in Palmdale, California, to Jimmy and Lois Davis, Mark grew up in Madera, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented athlete, especially on the baseball field. At 13, a serious motorcycle accident left him in a body cast for six months, but true to form, he fought back. Although a later injury ended his own playing days, it opened the door to a lifelong passion for coaching. Mark went on to guide and mentor countless young players, including his sons, Keith, for 3 years; his 1992 Little League All-Star team; and his youngest son, Anthony, from Little League through high school graduation in 2018.
Mark worked nearly 15 years with Western Farm Services and later spent close to two decades with U.S. Borax, where he finished his career. He was known for his reliability, integrity, and sense of humor — the kind of co-worker and friend you could count on for both hard work and a good laugh.
Family was at the center of everything Mark did. He is survived by his wife, Renae; his children and their spouses; Keith (Michelle), Mark Jr., Brandi (Jeff), Darren (Margaret), Danielle (Ken), and Anthony (Alexis). His 18 grandchildren: Mariah, Aleecia, Joslynn, Brinley, Grayson, Bella, Emeliyn, Sylar, Maxdon, Mavee, Layla, Brooklyn, Cambria, Hadlee, Delaney, Presley, Triply, and Rowan. He is also survived by his brothers Bo Bertoncini, David Davis, and Jimmy Lyon, and his sisters Debi Brown, Felicia Lyon, and Sharon Moody. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Jo Davis, and Lois and Don Bertoncini, as well as his sister Judy Lyon.
If you ask anyone who knew Mark, they’ll tell you his greatest joy in life was being “Papa.” He showed up for everything — baseball games, recitals, graduations, and even the tiniest family milestones. Whether it meant driving from Boron to Madera after a long shift or cheering from the sidelines during chemo, Mark never missed an opportunity to support the people he loved.
He faced every challenge — including cancer — with quiet strength, humor, and grace. Surrounded by family in his final days, he left this world exactly as he lived in it: devoted, uncomplaining, and proud of his family.
Mark’s legacy lives on in every person he coached, every friend he made, and every family member who loved him. His laughter, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten.
Viewing will be held at the Chapel of The Light, 1620 W. Belmont, Fresno, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5 pm to 8 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Good News Ministries, 1930 Modoc, Madera, CA. A reception will follow at Madera Elks, 112 W. 6th, Madera. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to their favorite Charity or Cause in Mark’s honor.
“Baseball was never just a game to Mark — it was a way of life. Every inning, every lesson, and every moment with his family was another chance to play with heart.”
“He finished his race strong, rounding third and heading home.”