Gene A. Davis' Obituary
UNION CENTER, IL - Gene Arthur Davis, age 84 of West Union, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2013 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to a church or charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Gene was born on May 2, 1929 in Coles County, Illinois and was a son of the late Harmon and Nettie (Goble) Davis. He married Wanda M. Stewart on March 4, 1950 and they have enjoyed 63 years of friendship and marriage. In addition to Wanda he is survived by a daughter, Kay Coverstone and husband Larry of Moline, Illinois; three grandchildren, Traci Garmon and husband Terry of Moline; Bandi Sullivan and husband Troy of Bettendorf, Iowa and Pastor Justin Coverstone and wife Brianna of Freeport, Illinois; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents Gene was preceded in death by four brothers, Paul E. Davis, Hubert C. Davis, Harold G. Davis, twin brother, Dean H. Davis; and a sister, Doris Lowery Cooper. Gene was a member of First Christian Church in Charleston, Moline Masonic Lodge #1014 and received his 32nd Degree from the Valley of Moline Scottish Rite. He was employed as a maintenance supervisor for Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Company in Rock Island, Illinois, retiring in 1991 following more than 20 years of service. Gene led an interesting and eventful life. At the age of 15 with the help of his brother, he joined the Army. He was brought home when it was discovered that he was under-age; and later when he became of legal age, he served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Following his military service Gene was hired as a civilian guard for Harry S. Truman. Gene and Wanda loved to travel and enjoyed spending their winters with other snowbirds in Spanish Cove located in Lillian, Alabama. They also traveled extensively with the Firefighter Challenge running their souvenir booth.
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