Charles E. "Chuck" Davis

Charles "Chuck" Elwin Davis, 87, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his children, on June 11, 2023, his daughter Kim's birthday. He was born August 14th, 1935, in Lakeville, Indiana to Herschel Paul (Joe) Davis and Alice Emma (Allie) Knepp Davis.

Chuck excelled in basketball and track at Lakeville High School. Photos of him can still be seen at the historic Lakeville High School community center.

Chuck worked as a farm hand at the young age of 11, after his father died. As an adult, he worked for the phone company, and as an over the road truck driver for several trucking companies before becoming Operations Manager at Preston Trucking, where he retired. Not one to stay idle, he didn't remain retired for long. He worked several other jobs as a truck driver and warehouse manager until he finally stopped working in his early 70's.

He lived in California briefly after his first marriage to Doris Allen. The marriage gave him his first child, Kimberly Jo (Kimmy). After a short engagement, he married the love of his life, Janet Rollins, on November 10th, 1962. Together they had four children, Jeri, Jacki (who was born on his birthday), Charlie, and Scott. 

He was kind, funny, generous, adventurous, and hardworking. As a young man he played semi-professional basketball and raced stock cars with the number 91. His love for racing remained throughout his life, and he was a frequent spectator of the Indy 500 and sprint car races. He also made some trips to the Daytona 500. He was a huge Jeff Gordon fan. He loved seeing sprint car races at the El Dora Speedway, and often attended with his sons and grandsons. When traveling with his family on road trips, which he loved, you could count on listening to classic country music, especially Roy Acuff and the Wabash Cannonball. Family and friends were frequently amused by his colorful anecdotes and sayings, most which can't be repeated here. And he was always punctual.  He usually was found waiting in the car for others to join him and occasionally blowing the horn to speed everyone up.

He is survived by his children Jeri (Paul) Gilb, Jacki (Joseph) Beath, Charlie (Beth) Davis, Scott Davis, and his fur baby, Molly; grandchildren Mitchell Gilb (Annalise Aakhus), Taylor (Shannon) Gilb, Emily Beath, Zachary (Megan) Gilb, Michael Beath, Marine Corps Vet Brandon Potter, Jacob (Tiffany) Gilb, Jarod (Brooke) Gilb, Patrick Beath; great grandchildren Brendon Gilb, Kaleb Gilb, Abrahm Gilb, Oakley Michael, Lakin Gilb, Indy Gilb, Hudson Gilb, Gabriel Gilb, and Saylor Gilb. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Jan, his parents, his daughter Kimmy, and his sister Harriett Clegg.

To honor his wishes, no services will be held. Instead, his children and their families will hold a private celebration of life at a later time.

In memory of Chuck, the family requests donations be made to Heart to Heart Hospice: 620 W. Edison Suite 122 Mishawaka, IN 46545 or the Mayo Clinic Department of Development: 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

The Hanley and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Davis family and friends.  To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit http://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com

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