Scott Francis Davis

Scott Francis Davis, 65, passed away on February 4, 2026. A devoted husband and beloved father and grandfather, Scott was at home and surrounded by his family as he passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord after a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Scott was born May 6, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, to Dr. Donald R. and Jeanne (Grady) Davis. He was the fourth of six children, four boys and two girls, raised in a bustling, loving home in the Clintonville neighborhood. For much of his childhood, the family lived on Amazon Place, with Whetstone Park serving as a daily backyard playground and setting for countless memories. Scott attended Immaculate Conception School and Bishop Watterson High School where he made many lifelong friends.

From an early age, Scott showed quiet toughness, confidence, and determination. He never backed down from anyone, including his older brothers, and he carried himself with the same firm handshake, steady eye contact, and take‑charge presence that he admired in his father.

Sports were a constant thread throughout Scott’s life. His love of competition began on the fields and courts of Whetstone Park and Immaculate Conception and continued through decades spent watching, analyzing, and discussing games of every kind. Scott enthusiastically followed Columbus and Ohio college and professional teams and held a lifelong interest in horse racing.

Scott attended Ohio State University, where he earned his degree in journalism in 1986. While completing his education, he was a bartender on the north side of Columbus, holding jobs at Pogo’s Porch and El Matador. His work ethic had started years earlier, delivering the newspaper, helping with chores at home, and working as a busboy at Le Café in Colony Bazaar. His affable demeanor and natural ability to connect with people made him a perfect fit in hospitality.

It was during his time bartending at Pogo’s Porch that Scott met the love of his life, Beth Young, who worked next door at Flag’s. They quickly became best friends and were married for more than 39 years. Their partnership was marked by deep friendship, loyalty, and joy through every phase of life. Together, they embodied love in health and sickness, especially during Scott’s courageous battle with cancer.

In August of 1986, Scott graduated from Ohio State and married Beth the very next day, beginning a life together grounded in family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.

Scott spent more than 36 years working in reporting and editing roles at the Columbus Citizen‑Journal and The Columbus Dispatch. After interning at the Citizen‑Journal, he joined the staff full‑time and remained there until the paper folded, famously marked by the headline: “Goodbye, Columbus.” He moved directly to The Dispatch, where he worked alongside a distinguished group of journalists who became colleagues and close friends.

In the newsroom, Scott was affectionately known as Dutch or Dutchy. He poured everything he had into producing a crisp, smart sports section every day, covering everything from harness racing and golf to football, soccer, basketball, and hockey. His work in sports was a true passion, one he carried home with him and passed on to his four sons. Andy, Tim, Joe, and Tyler cherished talking with their dad about the Buckeyes and group text threads filled with play‑by‑play commentary during every game.

After decades covering the Columbus sports world, Scott turned his attention to serving students, as a substitute teacher at Ohio Avenue Elementary, coach in special education at Olentangy High School, and building substitute at Gables Elementary. The staff and students of Gables loved Mr. Davis and shared hundreds of cards, drawings, and well-wishes as he transitioned to his fight with brain cancer.

Scott’s greatest pride and joy were his four sons. He coached their youth sports teams, wrestled with them on the family room floor, and focused on raising them to be good young men. He encouraged them in every pursuit, offering guidance on football and lacrosse fields and basketball courts alike. After cheering for them at every game, win or lose, his smiling face was the first one they saw. Ever wise and practical, Scott guided them through college and took great joy in seeing them earn degrees from his alma mater, Ohio State, and go on to successful careers.

Arguably Scott’s most cherished role was that of grandfather. He adored his grandchildren Anna, Logan, Mateo, and Elle and doted on them from the moment he first held each one in the hospital. He followed their babbles and crawls, celebrated their milestones, and proudly watched the older grandchildren begin their own scholastic and athletic pursuits, continuing the family room wrestling tradition whenever possible. He received no better treatment during his cancer battle than the snuggles, hugs, and kisses of his grandchildren.

In early 2024, Scott began his battle with brain cancer, adopting the motto and daily mindset of being “Strong and Positive.” It was a phrase he shared generously with family and friends who visited, prayed, and walked alongside him. Scott was sustained by the love and prayers of those around him, enjoyed meaningful trips with family to Florida and the Pacific Northwest, and loved reunions with friends from every stage of life.

Throughout his fight with cancer, Scott was never without the devoted, loving care of his wife Beth. His sons and daughters-in-law supported Scott and Beth mentally and physically throughout their battle. Scott’s sister-in-law Becky lovingly moved in to provide support in every way. Countless family members stepped up all along the way to lend support and care as Scott needed. The family is deeply grateful for the care he received from Dr. Hamza and team through OhioHealth Neuro‑Oncology.

Scott is survived by his beloved wife, Beth. He is also survived by his four sons: Andy (Laura) and their children Anna and Logan, Tim (Daniela) and their son Mateo, Joe (Audrey) and their daughter Elle, and Tyler.

He is further survived by his siblings: Julie (John) Keckstein, Don Jr. (Jennie), Mark, Laura (Charles) Tonkin, and Brian (Dominica). Scott also leaves behind numerous cousins with whom he remained closely connected throughout his life, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews of the Davis, Young, and Ault families.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jeanne Davis.

Visitation is Friday, February 20, from 4-7 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. Funeral Mass Monday, February 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 6899 Smoky Row Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, and luncheon with remembrances immediately following mass. The family welcomes all who wish to attend the visitation and/or the funeral mass, and hopes that everyone will feel comfortable participating in whatever way best suits them.

In honor of Scott, consider buying a copy of The Columbus Dispatch or your local newspaper. Read the sports section and try your hand at the crossword puzzle.