OBITUARY: Michael Eugene Davis
Michael Eugene Davis - a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a pastor, a friend, a mentor, a counselor, a teacher, a veteran, a community college professor, and, first and foremost, a follower of Jesus Christ - passed away from this life to the next on Sept. 21, 2014, at the age of 64 in Mount Vernon.
He was born to the late Paul H. and Hester Alma (Nichols) Davis, Nov. 24, 1949, in Decatur. He graduated from Decatur's Eisenhower High School in 1967. He went on to attend Millikin University and there he met Laura Meyer in 1969. They were married 15 weeks after their first date and remained love birds for over 45 years.
He joined the army and served as a military policeman at Fort Campbell, Ky. Upon completing his military service he completed a BA in History from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1973 and served churches in Clarksville, Tenn., Charlotte, Tenn., Smithville, Mo., Flat Rock, Albion, Harrisburg, and Mount Vernon. Throughout 40 years of ministry, he committed his life to loving God and loving people. His sense of humor, kind demeanor, and gentle leadership were prized by those who knew him well.
He is survived by his wife, Laura, and his children and grandchildren, in all of whom he found great worth: Misty Lucas, her husband Jack and children Jase, Brooks and Austyn Kate of Mount Vernon; Jon Davis, his wife Kim and children Andi and Dre of Alton; Rachel Ziegler, her husband Brad and children Max and Addison of Paducah, Ky.; and Daniel Davis of Saint Louis, Mo.
He was the youngest of 14 children and is survived by nine siblings: Beverly Bradley of Decatur, Aletha Bodine and her husband Dick of Decatur, Delmar Davis of Decatur, Carol Walters and her husband David of Decatur, Donna Parks of Decatur, Janice Thomas and her husband Mike of Decatur, Larry Davis and his wife Lana of Mount Zion, Lindy Davis and his wife Janice of Plummerville, Ark., and Karen Henry and her friend Jerry Hendricks of Decatur; five sisters-in-law: Beverly Davis of Alton, Margie Davis of Mount Zion, Julie White and her husband Robert of Savage, Minn., Paula Cusick and her husband Larry of Westminster, Colo., and Carol Cramer and her husband Steve of Dahinda; his father-in-law: James Meyer of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but highly valued.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings: Ellen, Bobby, Paul, and Robert; three brothers-in-law: Charles Bradley, Dick Parks and John Henry; and his mother-in-law: Betty Meyer.
His body will be donated to medical research. As per his wishes, no memorial or funeral service will be held. At his request, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Connexion Property Fund and sent to Lisa Lipps, the church treasurer, at 15768 N. state Route Hwy 37, Mount Vernon, Ill. 62864; or gifts may be sent to his wife to help with expenses at this time. Memorials will also be will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mount Vernon, Illinois 62864.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call (618) 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfh.com for further information and to send condolences.