Eugene J. Davis

Eugene J. Davis, at the age of 99, was called home to his Heavenly Father on August 19, 2014. Gene was born in Little Falls, New York to the late Michael and Emma Davis on June 3, 1915. He was one of eight children. He was a man of strong faith. His faith was the core of his life he lived. He enjoyed life. His smiles, kind words and positive attitude were endearing to those who knew him. He loved his family and always supported his children in their chosen fields of endeavor. Gene served his country for two years during World War II. He was a member of an Engineer Aviation Battalion. Following the war, he entered Marshall University majoring in accounting. He met his loving wife, Hannah at Marshall. They were married November 26, 1947 in Our Lady of Peace Chapel, Lynbrook, Long Island NY. They moved to Toledo in 1948. He worked in the composing room of the Toledo Blade for over 50 years and retired at the age of 82. Gene was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for 62 years, always supportive of the church and school. He ushered at the 10 am Sunday mass for over 40 years and served on several fundraising campaigns. He was a charter member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus St. Jude/South Toledo Council 3904. He was also a member of the Fourth Degree K of C Bishop Hoffman Assembly #907, serving as Faithful Navigator from 1959-1960. He was elected by the Blade members for 40 consecutive years to the Board of Directors of the Toledo Blade Federal Credit Union. For recreation, Gene’s great love was playing tennis. He enjoyed the game immensely and was a fierce competitor. He also enjoyed playing cards. He and his wife looked forward to having dinner and playing bridge with friends. Following his retirement he and his wife traveled throughout the United States and Canada. They had no agenda except their final destination stopping when there was a place of interest they wished to explore. A trip to Italy with their son, Father Mark, in celebration of Father Mark’s ordination and their 50th wedding anniversary was a highlight. Gene was a member of Shadow Valley Tennis Club, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Dioceses Parents of Priests and the Toledo Ballet Association (26yrs). He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Hannah; children: Jim (Diana) of Toledo, Nancy (Tom) Stevens of Denver Colorado, and Father Mark, Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Bowling Green Ohio; grandchildren: James and Alexandria Davis; step-grandchildren: Julie, David, Chelsea Britton and Maeve, Fiona DeLisle. Also surviving are two sisters; Dixie Spencer of Sarasota, FL and Garry McClean of Long Island, NY and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Frank, Leo, Bill, and sisters; Lorraine Ross and Ann Pytko. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff of the Franciscan Care Center and a special thank you to Sister Jordan for the wonderful care Gene received. Also, we are grateful for the loving care given to Gene by Tammie Simon, Mattie Meyers and Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Visitation will be on Friday, August 22 from 3-8 pm at the Coyle Funeral home on Reynolds Road. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Saturday morning at 10 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Toledo. Memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s honor to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or The Eugene and Hannah Davis Scholarship at St. John’s Jesuit High School.

Eugene J. Davis

June 3, 1915 - August 19, 2014