Palmdale in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Joe Davies Jr
A Life of Service to Country and Community
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2025
1. Joe Davies Jr Marker
Joseph "Joe" Potter Davies, Jr., was born in 1923 and joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. By the time he had finished training, World War II had come to an end, but he continued his military career. Joe married his wife, Audria, "Audie," in 1949, and they had four children: Jane, Joe III, Marilyn, and Diana.
In 1962, Joe moved his family to Palmdale to serve as the commander of Plant 42. He served as chief of the aeronautics manufacturing plant until 1967, when called to serve in the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the states, Joe was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, where he served the last of his 32 years in the military. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973 and happily moved back to Palmdale.
The Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Plant 42 was dedicated to him on February 7, 2008, for his multiple contributions to the Antelope Valley and his service to the aerospace and aeronautical industries. Joe loved the Antelope Valley and served three terms on the Palmdale City Council and on various civic and charitable boards and commissions. He was honored to have the park named for him and loved to give personal tours.
Joe said his time in the Antelope Valley was the happiest time of his life, and that his job at Plant 42 was the best job he ever
this page online
Joe passed away on September 7, 2016, just six weeks after his beloved wife Audie.
Our father was the most positive, generous, honest, and honorable man we have ever known! He became a highly loved and respected member of our community, and we could not be more proud. Our entire family is honored by the establishment of the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. We loved our visits with him there. He seemed to have a personal story about every plane and knew every pilot.
We Love You Dad... Jane, Joe, Marilyn, and Diana
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military.
Location. 34° 36.188′ N, 118° 5.302′ W. Marker is in Palmdale, California, in Los Angeles County. It is on East Avenue P east of 20th Street East, on the left when traveling east. Located in Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2001 E Ave P, Palmdale CA 93550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the High Desert, and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A.W. "Tony" LeVier (a few steps from this marker); Model 143 - Triumph (within shouting distance of this marker); Wright J65 Turbojet Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); F-105 Thunderchief (within shouting distance of this
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2025
2. Joe Davies Jr Marker
Also see . . . Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. (Submitted on July 22, 2025.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2025
3. 747 Shuttle Carrier
One of many aircraft on display at Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. It carried Space Shuttles to and from Plant 42, where the Shuttles were built and maintained. In the distance are buildings at Plant 42.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 644 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
