Jack Roger Davis

Jack Roger Davis, 80, died Tuesday, March 3, after a decade-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was able to die at home, as he wished, surrounded by family and with the loving support of Visiting Nurse Hospice, the church family and many dear friends.

Jack was born in Warsaw, Indiana as the only child of Roger and Osie Davis (both deceased) and graduated from Warsaw High School. He attended DePauw University where he joined Delta Chi fraternity, and played a trumpet in a dance band during summer vacation. After graduating from International Business College he went to work at Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper Company as a sales trainee in Hartford City, Indiana, where he met his future wife. While there he was drafted into the Army and spent two peacetime years in Europe before returning to marry Sylvia (Overmyer).

Jack worked briefly at Zimmers in Warsaw, Indiana before joining the ranks of Lincoln National Life where he spent his 32-year career and formed many enduring friendships. He retired in 1991 as Vice President of Lincoln Financial Management Company. He was an active member of First Wayne Street United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Throughout his life Jack had a passion for college basketball (IU, Purdue and Notre Dame--in that order) and cars (37 in total). He enjoyed eating out, especially if it featured chocolate or the destination was Sara’s Restaurant. His greatest joy though was spending time with family, whether it was a trip to the Fort Wayne Zoo, or one of the many family vacations to destinations such as Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Alaska, and Oregon.

Jack is survived by Sylvia (Overmyer), his wife of 55 years; son Roger (Cindy), daughter Lori (Steve) Datena and granddaughter Meredith Datena, all of Portland, Oregon.

In accordance with Jack’s wishes his body was cremated and he was a tissue donor. At a later date there will be a memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to so many who offered support in so many ways during recent months, including dear friends, Dr. John Gilbert and staff at Lutheran Hospital, staff at Covington Commons, Covington Manor, Visiting Nurse Hospice, and most importantly, Pastor Greg Enstrom. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Wayne Street United Methodist Church or Visiting Nurse Hospice.

Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Winchester Rd. Chapel in Charge of Arrangements. www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com