Jack E. Davis' Obituary
Jack Eugene Davis, 88, of Charleston, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He was born in St. Louis, MO on August 30, 1936, to Paul and Helen (Johns) Davis. In 1937, the Davis family returned to live in Charleston. Jack was a student from grade one though his senior year in Eastern State High School. He played on the only undefeated football team in the history of Easter State High School. Jack’s 1955 class was the last graduating class of Eastern State High School. The school was then consolidated with Charleston High School.
Jack joined the Illinois National Guard in 1954 and was on the Military Funeral Firing Squad. Following graduation form ESHS, Jack worked on the Nickelplate Railroad as a brakeman/flagman. Jack married Betty Louise Hart on October 6, 1957, at the First Christian Church in Charleston. He served in the United States Army at Fort Lewis, WA attached to the Fourth Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Unit. Following his 1961 discharge from the service, Jack was hired by Moore Business Forms. He began as a Press Helper to a Pressman and advanced to Estimator then Sales Service. He was later promoted to Coordinator for United States Government Print Volume for eight Moore Plants across the U.S. He retired in May of 1994 with over 33 years of service with Moore.
Jack has been a faithful member of the First Christian Church since 1949 and a lifetime member of the Charleston Moose. Being born in St. Louis and preferring the winners (St. Louis Cardinals) to the losers (Cubbies), beer to chewing gum, he loved to harass the poor Cubbies fans. Jack honestly hated the Cubs. He also followed some losers himself, such as the Bears, Bulls, and Illini. Jack liked to play golf earlier in his life. His favorite pastime was spent watching football, basketball, baseball, and golf on the television.
Jack leaves two sons, Michael E. Davis of Mattoon and Robert E. Davis of Charleston, and one sister, Evelyn Wayne of Sullivan. He also has two brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and one great-great niece. His special friend was Imy Thomson, who along with sister-in-law Patty Maples and niece Tricia Briggerman helped in many ways in the loss of his much-loved wife Betty.
Preceding Jack in death were his parents, wife of 38 years, three brothers-in-law, and special friend of 11 years, Imy Thompson.
Graveside Service with be held at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Walters officiating on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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