Eugene Paul Davis

Born in Chesterville OH, he is survived by his wife, Nancee JoAnne (Kester) Davis of Marion. His children Barbara Holcombe of Little Rock AR, Kathleen Johnston of Crestwood, KY, Jeffrey (Debbie) Davis of Delaware, and Aaron (Darcie) Davis of Claridon. Grandsons Gregory Johnson of Evansville IN, Brendan Johnson of Crestwood KY and Mason Holcombe of Little Rock AR. Brother, Robert (Marilyn) Davis of Cardington. Nephews and nieces Steve Davis, Terry Davis, Alicia Davis and Julie Davis of Cardington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Viola (Frank) Davis of Cardington, his brother James/Jim (Mary) Davis of Cardington and nephew Randy Davis.

Gene's family actively farmed in Morrow County. After leaving Cardington High School, he soon moved on, driving across country with a friend to San Diego where they joined the Navy. He served during the Korean War aboard the destroyer, USS Orleck. He had great memories of his time there and continued his association with the military by active participation at the Legion Post 97 in Cardington. He would help set up the annual Memorial Day display of flags in local cemeteries.

Returning stateside, he put his skills and training to work as a boiler engineer for the railroad. He owned and operated a gasoline/service station in Mt. Gilead. He served as a foster father for the county. He then trained to use a horizontal boring mill at HPM in Mt. Gilead. He was self-employed at the Cardington Machine Shop, where he enjoyed boring the large Huber tractor engine blocks. He finished his formal working career repairing diesel engines at Burkhart Farm Center.

Throughout his life he continued to farm, just on a smaller scale. His huge garden was filled with tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, potatoes, squash, beans and so much more. When it was cold, he poured over the seed catalogues planning the next year's harvest. He raised chickens, rabbits, sheep, hogs for the family. In the winter he would eat the produce that his wife, Nancee, had put up and ask, "Can you taste the sunshine?"

He loved fishing, sports, history, traveling, photography, and trains. Farm shows, and county fairs. Stopping to share a story with people he knew and those that he didn't. Here's to ice cream every day, Gene!

Friends may call on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Home in Cardington. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Glendale Union Cemetery at 11:00 AM with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Post 97 in Cardington.   

Those wishing to share a memory of Gene or to express a condolence to the Davis family may do so by visiting www.gompffh.com.