Wendell H. Davis

Wendell H. Davis
a distinguished World War II veteran whose greatest love was his family, passed away Monday, April 25, after a long journey battling emphysema and congestive heart failure. Age 93, Wendell enjoyed Easter with his family, including six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, then by the grace of God passed peacefully to his eternal glory during the night. Wendell was born in 1918 and as a boy enjoyed summers with his grandfather from England and Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother on their farm in Dover. On the farm he knew a man who drove a mule team on the Ohio-Erie Canal, helped his grandfather tend to his prized horses that were used to plow the fields, and he enjoyed eating fresh peaches and cream from their farm prepared by his grandmother who considered him to be her favorite. Attending the Chicago World's Fair in 1934 was a highlight of his life, particularly riding on the famed Sky Ride, an aerial tramway. After graduating from McKinley High School in 1935, Wendell worked in the chemistry department of the Timken Company. However, World War II beckoned and he left Canton to serve his country. Wendell served in the Army Air Forces as a four engine bomber pilot during the war, and continued to serve after the war as a Reserve Officer in the United States Air Force. He also served as an Intelligence Officer for the 180th Tactical Fighter Group of the Ohio Air National Guard. He returned to the Timken Company after the war and retired as Safety Coordinator-Steel. Wendell flew B-17s, B-24s and B-29s with the 450th Bombardment Group, known as the Cottontails. His service was exceptional, successfully completing 50 missions. He flew in fierce combat missions bombing the oil fields at Ploesti, Rumania, a turning point in the war. For his 'courage and decisive action' and 'combat efficiency and devotion to duty', in 1944 Wendell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and other military honors. Wendell achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel before his retirement. An avid golfer, bowler, boater, photographer and baseball player in his younger years, Wendell enjoyed being a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the North Canton Elks and Lake Cable Retirees, and breakfast partner with the Timken retirees. Wendell was also past president of the Ohio Reserve Officers Association, and was a founding member of St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church.
In 1946 Wendell married his sweetheart, Margaret, who survives him. Wendell and Margaret's two daughters, Lois (Poling) LaMacchia of North Canton and Leslie Hiner of Indianapolis, survive him and Wendell is also survived by Lois's four daughters, Debby Mize of Sandusky, Wendy Artimez of Hartville, Christine Cianci of Greenville, Pa., and Tammy Tissot of Canton, and Leslie's two children, Elaine Hiner and Travis Hiner, both of Indianapolis.
The family welcomes friends to attend calling hours at Reed Funeral Home North Canton Chapel, 801 Pittsburg Avenue NW, North Canton, on Thursday, April 28 between 5 and 8 p.m. and on Friday, April 29 between 11 a.m. and noon. Funeral service will be at the Reed North Canton Chapel on Friday, April 29 beginning at noon, with burial at Forest Hill cemetery to follow. The Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Roth, Senior Pastor of St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran church will preside. Friends are encouraged to make donations in lieu of flowers to Honor Flight Network (www.honorflight.org / Honor Flight, Inc., Attn: Diane Gresse, 300 E. Auburn Ave, Springfield, OH 45505) or American Heart Association (https://donate.americanheart.org).
Reed, 330-477-6721
www.reedfuneralhome.com