Topeka (WIBW) - A day after announcing his retirement from the Kansas Supreme Court, former Chief Justice Robert Davis has died.

The Court says the 70-year old passed away Wednesday night at his Leavenworth home.

Davis submitted his resignation to the Court earlier in the week, citing health issues. He'd been on medical leave from the Court since January.

Davis served on the high court since 1993, becoming Chief Justice in January 2009, when Hon. Kay McFarland retired.

Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss, in a letter to all judges and employees of the Judicial Branch, said although they may feel badly at the loss, “we should remember the times we shared with Chief Justice Davis in good times and bad. And we should especially remember how, under his leadership, we worked hard to provide access to justice for the citizens of our state.

Fellow Supreme Court Justice Lee A. Johnson said Chief Justice Davis' passing is a devastating loss for his extended court family. Johnson said “he brought wisdom to the court that was nurtured by his all-encompassing experience at every level of the legal profession. Throughout his career, Chief Justice Davis displayed limitless compassion and empathy for others. As Chief Justice, Bob truly led by example through his diligence, coupled with an unrivaled grace and civility. We on the court will miss Bob's spirited, yet respectful, discussions of legal issues. More importantly, we will miss our good friend.”

Fellow Supreme Court Justice Eric S. Rosen said he viewed Davis “not just as a fellow jurist, but as a trusted friend and advisor.” Rosen said Chief Justice Davis’ virtues of reasoned wisdom, intelligence, and compassion are things that he strives for in writing his opinions for the Court. Rosen added that Davis’ virtues also need to include courageous. Rosen said he “marveled at Davis’ strength and determination” in continuing to undertake his administrative duties and caseload notwithstanding serious health issues.”

Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Davis served eight years on the State Court of Appeals. Before that, he was a judge of the Leavenworth County District Court and served a term as Leavenworth County Attorney.

Davis held a private practice in Leavenworth from 1967 to 1984, when he was appointed associate district judge. While in private practice he served as Leavenworth County attorney from 1981 to 1984. He also served as a magistrate judge in Leavenworth County from 1969 to 1976. After serving as an associate district judge for two years, Davis was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals in 1986, where he served until appointment to the Supreme Court in 1993.

In addition to service with the Kansas courts, Davis served as a member of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, including as trial counsel in the Republic of Korea and as government appellate counsel in Washington D.C. from 1964 to 1967. He received a BA degree from Creighton University, Omaha, and a law degree from Georgetown University Law School, Washington, D.C.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Sunday, Aug. 8, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home in Leavenworth. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Monday, Aug. 9, at Immaculate Conception Church in Leavenworth. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.