Dr. Wendell Eugene "Gene" Davis

1934 - 2021

Dr. Wendell Eugene "Gene" Davis

Lafayette - Dr. Wendell Eugene "Gene" Davis, 86, of Lafayette, Indiana entered the Church Triumphant on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at his residence surrounded by family. The son of George A. Davis and Grace W. (Nusser) Davis, Gene was born September 30, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio.

Gene graduated from Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio; class of 1952. He continued his undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University, receiving his B. A. and M. A. in English, graduating in 1956. In 1962, he earned his Ph. D. from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

His first marriage was to Shirley Anne (McCallum) Davis on July 07, 1962. They were married for 39.5 years until the time of her death. He married Carolyn "Carol" Hummel Davis in Alexandria, Virginia on May 08, 2004; she survives.

Gene taught at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania for one year from 1961-1962. The following year, he began his thirty-seven-year career in education with Purdue University until his retirement in 2000. Dr. Davis retired in 2000 as Professor Emeritus of English.

A specialist in Victorian and Edwardian English literature, Gene had particular interest in Thomas Hardy and his novels. He co-authored a guide to transitional English literature, and two annotated secondary bibliographies on Thomas Hardy.

Dr. Davis also published articles on Thomas Hardy, George Moore, Joseph Conrad, and lectured at the Thomas Hardy Conferences in Dorset (UK) and at Yale University. Gene was a member of the Fulbright Association and a longtime member of Central Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir alongside his wife.

Chief among Gene's personal activities and life interests were choral singing with the Lafayette Chamber Singers. He had a passion for attending concerts and performances, traveling in the United States and abroad in Europe, and gourmet cooking.

Gene is survived by his wife, Carol. Also surviving are his daughter, Rebecca "Becky" (Davis) Gardner (David) of Greenwood, South Carolina. Grandchildren; Eric Gardner, Michael Gardner, and Shirley Gardner. He is survived by his stepchildren; Bekka (Kate) Hummel and Aaron Hummel along with step grandchildren Elena and Sebastian Hummel of Washington State.

He was preceded in death by his parents; George A. Davis and Grace W. (Nusser) Davis, Siblings; infant brother, James Davis and Robert "Bob" Davis, Wife; Shirley Anne (McCallum) Davis, and Son; Thomas Addison (Tadd) Davis.

Dr. Davis will be laid to rest at Presbyterian Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Central Presbyterian Church Adult Choir, c/o Central Presbyterian Church, 31 North 7th Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47901, and the Lafayette Chamber Singers, 638 North St, Lafayette, IN 47901.

Arrangements entrusted to Fisher Funeral Chapel, Lafayette. To view updated memorial service details or leave an online condolence for the Davis family, please visit www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.