Bert E. Davis
Bert E. Davis, age 85, of Shelby, died early Friday morning, November 27, 2020 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital following an extremely brief and unexpected illness.
Bert was born June 12, 1935 in Shelby to the late Joseph H. and Isabelle C. (Fairchild) Davis and was a 1953 graduate of Shelby High School. Throughout his working career, Bert had work for 8 years for the Shelby Pure Milk Company and then spent the majority of his career, 30 years to be exact, at Shelby Business Forms from where he retired.
However, to quote Bert, the “best job I’ve ever had” was the one which started after his retirement when he became the Sexton of Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Ironically, this was full circle for Bert as his first job as a kid was working for Oakland and, many years later, became his final job as well. Bert was Sexton from 1993 until this past August 2020. It was over those years that Bert not only cared for the cemetery grounds, but for each person buried there, for the community he served, and the special relationships he built with those he worked with, his friends, Rob Taylor, John Heichelbech, and Dustin McKenzie.
Bert was a man of many hobbies including, but not limited to: playing pool, shooting darts, golfing, fishing, playing cards- especially Gin, and, although he was not one for hunting, if it was a groundhog he was at the front line. He and Marge also enjoyed traveling, loved going to horse races, and especially enjoyed playing Bingo- of which they were both very good. He was a voracious reader and was an avid supporter of Marvin Memorial Library and was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelby.
Anyone who spoke with Bert knew, however, that his first love was his precious dog, Maggie. Maggie survives along with a family he loved dearly- especially his grandchildren: his wife, Marjorie E. (Holzworth) Roush; his 3 daughters: Julie (Tom) Alt of Shelby, Jill Null of Shelby, and Jody Stiving of Mansfield; his wife Marge’s children: David (Brenda) Roush of Shelby and Cindy (Steve) Carroll of Georgia; 8 grandchildren: Andrea Alt, Alisha (Josh) Moore, Nicholas Null, Joshua Witchey, Blake Stiving, Jamie Roush, Morgan (Cameron) Lawrence, and Garrett Schroeder; 6 great grandchildren: Jocelyn, Londyn, Kohen, Alainah, Collin, and Carmen; 2 brothers: Duane (Ruth) Davis of Mansfield and Jon (Karen) Davis of Pataskala; and a special lifelong friend: Ed Miller. In addition to his parents, his first wife, Dianne G. (Guthrie) Davis preceded him in death in 2004.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 10:30 am. Pastor Jeff Croft, Pastor of First United and Trinity United Methodist Churches, will officiate the services and burial will follow beside his wife, Dianne, in his beloved Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Cemetery and left in care of the funeral home.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Bert’s obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
I am sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. He was a great fishing buddy! Prayers for the family.
Marge ,
We will miss seeing Bert on the golf cart with Maggie during his travels around the neighborhood. Always on the lookout for groundhogs. It was always great to chat and laugh with him. He will be missed ! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark, Elaine & CJ
Julie and Family.
Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of your Father.
God Bless.
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Bert was a great guy and a friend to our whole family. Andy and Brian send their sympathy also. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
While I was growing up, Uncle Bert always made me laugh with his one-liners, followed by his chuckle. I enjoyed talking sports with him. He was a solid man and will be missed.
Julie and family,
I am so sorry to hear that Bert passed. He was such a great guy and always had funny things to say to us growing up. With deep sympathy. Mollie
To the Davis family, So sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. He lived a great life and loved you all so much. I always remember him smiling and laughing. I will be praying for all of you and know that God will send you peace. Love to all. Stacey Hubbard and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Bert was a good man. I enjoyed many ping pong games with him years ago and he was a good friend to Mom and Dad. We are keeping the family in our prayers during this difficult time.
I was sorry to read about the loss of Bert. My sincere sympathy to all of the family .
Julie, Jill & Jody. So sorry for your loss. A great guy. Always enjoyed stopping by Oakland when we were coming into town if we saw Bert’s car. He always had a story to share. He will be missed. Thinking of each of you and your families.
My sincere condolences to the Davis family! He will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to the family.
Prayers and sympathy to all of the family.
Jill and family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss
Julie & family, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, lifting you all up in my thoughts and prayers.
Bert Davis, you were a true friend. We were very best friends in the early 1950’s, fond memories of Bert 69 years ago. After I graduated in 1952 we would visit when I came to Shelby for vacations or a death in my family. I know he will be miss by many life time friends . Until we meet again
I pray for your soul Bert and your family.
Paul Crosby, LaKeland, FL.
Dear Cousins Julie, Jody, Jill and families, So sorry to read of your father’s passing. I remember him from my younger years at our Winemiller get togethers. A very nice person. God bless you all.
Cousin, Carole Winemiller Reed
Andy and I were very saddened to hear of Bert’s death. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to you and the whole family.
Julie, Tom and Family
Our condolences to you for your loss ..
May you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers… living on Florida avenue for the last 38 years, we have gotten to know your dad “Bert” as our backyard neighbor as caretaker and Sexton.. Bert was never too busy to stop by the fence and chat by our garden pond.. we will miss him as well as his genuine smile… God be with you and bless you and yours…
Doug and Deb Friebel
Julie Jodi and Jill and families I’m Caroles sister. I’m so sorry for your loss. I too remember the Winemiller Christmas parties with all our aunts, uncles, and cousins. You three were little at that time. I have many fond memories of your dad and mom. You are all in my prayers
Amy & Don Jones Says,
Dear Julie, Jill, Jody, we were so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Bert was a wonderful friend and we will miss him very much.
Jody & Family, My dad, Ron Day and I were very sorry to hear about the passing of Bert. Dad and Bert were childhood friends and worked at Shelby Business Forms together and remained friends after retirement. My Dad has many great stories of their antics and fun times many years ago. He talks about those wonderful times of their lives often and it always makes him laugh! Bert and Diane along with the Millers and my parents had many good times together throughout the years too! As Bert and Dad got older and especially this past year with the many COVID issues, it has been sad that my they did not keep in touch, but please know Dad talked about Bert all the time and you just knew he was one of Dad’s best friends. I know Dad is very upset about Bert passing, but he has so many wonderful memories of their friendship. Our condolences to you and your family.
Our condolences to the families. I got to know Bert, mostly through his working at the milk plant with my Grandpa, Floyd (Pete) Lay. We will miss Bert, too.
Barb and I send sincere sympathy to Bert’s family. We have fond memories of him. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Our family sends our thoughts and prayers to all of Bert’s family and friends as he was loved by many. As the daughter of one of Bert’s best friends (Ed Miller) I am fortunate to have a lifetime of wonderful memories that will not be forgotten.
Please accept our deepest condolences – The Knight family (Jim, Mitzi, Hannah, and Allison)
Jill and family, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort at this difficult time.
Marquita Fairchild
Jodi and Daryl Boggs and family
Brad and Jenn Fairchild and family
Jody & family; I send my deepest condolences to all of you. I thought the world of Bert and always enjoyed talking to him very much. I always wanted to enjoy a good game of chess and good conversation with Bert but unfortunately it did not transpire. Oh well, maybe at a future time in a future world? My prayers will be with you and your family on this sad day. May God Bless all of you!!
Jody and Family,
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of you Dad. May wonderful memories sustain you in this challenging time and may he rest always in the peace of Christ!