Douglas Joe Davis

Douglas Joe Davis peacefully passed away in the early morning of May 1, 2022, he was 75. He was surrounded by the love of his family.

Doug was born September 26,1946 to Claude “Red” and Betty Davis. He was their second of three children. Doug was a lifelong performer. He started dancing at a very young age, in fact he graced the cover of a dance magazine at the age of 4. He continued dancing through his school years, while adding basketball and track to his activities. In high school he fell in love with the stage, and even starred in his school’s performance of Our Town , portraying the stage manager. Doug became the first valedictorian of Triton Junior/Senior high in the spring of 1964.

Doug went on to his beloved Purdue University and eventually IPFW to study English Education. He began his teaching career at Bishop Luers as an English and Drama teacher. He directed several plays and musicals during his tenure. He also made some lifelong friends. During this time he married and had his first child.

A few years later he took his life in a new direction. He left teaching and moved to Galena, IL. Here Doug ran the Belvedere and met his love of over 40 years. In April of 1978, they married and moved to Ligonier to begin their new life together. They moved their family of 6 into a Victorian fixer upper. They added a set of twins to their brood during this time.

Doug spent the next few decades working in manufacturing. He also spent 5 years volunteering as President of The Arc Noble County Foundation. Over the years, Doug grew tired of manufacturing and missed teaching. In 2000, he returned to IPFW to receive his Master’s. He went into retirement using his degree to teach Introductory Composition, Business Writing, in addition to his personal favorite - Creative Writing. This allowed him the time to tinker on his cherished British antique cars as well as time on the golf course. Doug was also able to travel and visit his children all over the country during this time. In his final years, he spent time writing, reading, tinkering, and golfing.

Doug is survived by his wife Constance “Connie” Davis, and his six children - Travis Davis, Lancing, MI; Justine (Ed) Gill, Kingwood, TX; Christine (Marcel) Dijkstra-Ivory, Hortonville, WI; Jennifer Ivory, Austin, TX; Elizabeth (Matt) Burgess, Longmont, CO; Sarah (Matt) Nordin, Syracuse, IN. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren - Kaelan, Gage, Alec, Eddie, Anna, Mathjis, Thomas, Aisling, Rhyker, Victoria, and Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jayne Gault, and his brother Tony Davis.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date.