Jack E. Davis

Jack E. Davis, 88, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 31, 2017, at Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Family will meet with friends at 1:00 P.M., Friday, April 7, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 P.M. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Jack was born Monday, March 25, 1929, in Topeka, the son of Arthur and Vera (Grimes) Davis. He was a near lifelong resident of Ottawa. He graduated from Topeka High School with the class of 1948. Jack served in the United States Army during the Korean War from August 1948 to May 1952 where he obtained the rank of technical sergeant. He continued his education at Washburn University, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor of science in business administration. Jack was united in marriage to Margaret “Maggie” McWilliams August 22, 1954 in Topeka, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 8, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his son, Scott Davis; and parents, Arthur and Vera Davis. Survivors include his son, Kirk Davis and wife Janet of Olathe; and three beautiful granddaughters, Jenna Hast and husband Calvin of Olathe, Callie Davis of Kansas City, Missouri, and Emma Davis of Lawrence. Jack began his career in sales with the Sinclair Oil Company in Springfield, Missouri. He later owned and operated Davis Oil Company in Ottawa from 1965 to 1978, opening service stations in Topeka, Lawrence, Overbrook and Princeton. Jack also began a tank wagon service, hauling for the Franklin County area. He was the director of utilities for the City of Ottawa from 1979, until retiring in 1991. He was president of the Ottawa Industrial Development Committee, longtime member of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, former president and 20-year member of C.O.F., member and served on the board at the First United Methodist Church, Franklin County commissioner who was instrumental in acquiring the Franklin County Ambulance service, and was active in the downtown historical restoration. Jack prioritized his time in the following order; family, friends, church and community. He was a loving, kind and compassionate man who always loved spending time with his grandkids and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family suggests memorial contributions to Richmond Healthcare Activity Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Jack’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com