John Earl Davis

John Earl Davis, the great grandson of journalism pioneer and civic leader and innovator Eugene L'Hote of Milford, IL, passed away on July 30, 2024 in Watseka, IL. John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years and Watseka native, Judith (Judy) Mae Wallace; his parents George and Martha Davis of Milford; sister Cathy (Bill) James; and nephew Jeffrey (Lori) James. He is also preceded in death by his adored cousins Charles Cross and Stevie Davis; his much-loved uncle Don and aunt Rosie Davis; and his cherished grandparents and Milford residents, Matie and Earl Davis and Lulu and John Horner Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart was one of the most respected men in Iroquois County for his kindness and enduring community works, something John was always very proud of. John also adored his great grandfather L'Hote who not only owned and published the Milford Herald but was also president of the Illinois Press Association and founder of the historic Milford District Library, a Carnegie library. His great grandfather was famously quoted for saying, "Honesty isn't any policy at all; it's a state of mind or it isn't honesty.," a statement John also believed in.
A native of Sheldon, Darrow, and Milford, John, fondly known as Johnny by those who knew him best, grew up on the farmlands of Iroquois County while attending school in Sheldon. In high school, John was voted the Most Valuable Player on his school's basketball team, leading the team to become county champions. Throughout his life, John remained close friends with childhood buddies and basketball teammates Roger (Lillian) Voight and Vic (Roxy) Callahan and many others.
John attended Southern Illinois University where he majored in Public Speaking and had the chance to interview famous people such as Johnny Mathis. During college he married his high school sweetheart Judy. After graduating, they became teachers. John taught English and theatre at Milford High School and was also the coach of the school's baseball, basketball, and football teams. John served in the military and eventually went into Corporate America working as an executive for successful companies such as American Scientific Products and U.S. Surgical. John's career gave him and his family, including his daughter Lisa Anne and beloved dogs Jacques Pierre, Beauregard Baschnagel III (named after an Ohio State football player), and Duchess, a rescue pup from Houston, TX, the good fortune to live in many parts of the United States, including California, Connecticut, Ohio, and Texas. Wherever John lived, he and his family made lifelong friendships, including with Doris and David Uddin of Centerville, OH; Ann Cariker of Dallas, TX; Brenda and Peter Marcus of Dallas, TX; Ramses and Isis of Dallas, TX; Frank Tao of San Francisco, CA; Barb Huner and Kathy of Loveland, CO; Krishna and Sharda Bobba of Columbus, OH; Drew and Mimi Barta of Ridgefield, CT; Karen Siebold and Doug Eddy of Flowery Branch, GA; John and Nancy Hartung of Charlotte, NC, and Bettendorf, IA; Ken and Joanne Desotell of Houston, TX; Don and Linda Gossett of Libertyville, IL; the Schultzs of Ohio; Brian Petzold of Houston, TX; Ronald Bliss of Houston, TX; and so many more. In 2022, John moved to Watseka from Barrington, IL, after the sudden passing of his wife Judy. There he became good friends with his Pastor John Franklin and the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, including Mary and Bob Williams and Paul "Mick" McAnarney, as well as friends "Little Kathy" and Joan at Heritage Woods, and high school friend Nancy Tucker. John is also survived by sister-in-laws Janis Peck of Sheboygan, WI, and JoEllen (Rick) Schlereth of Oostburg, WI.
John was a man of impeccable manners who rarely missed the opportunity to open the door for someone or do another kind gesture. He had a brilliant sense of humor, and was also well known for his answer to how he was doing, which was, "If I was any better, I'd be illegal." He could say the alphabet backwards faster than anyone; read the biographies of every president; and when in good health, walked almost 10 miles a day. He loved the Chicago Cubs, and equally loved his family, friendships, and adorable grandpups, Boo and Blanca. His family will be forever grateful for John's cousin and best friend Carolee (Jerry) Fletcher; treasured cousins Debby (Jack) Estes, Mark (Jeanie) Tweedy, and Tammy Long; and best friends Roger, Vic, and Krishna. The family would also like to thank Pastor John Franklin and his congregation for opening up their doors and hearts to John, as well as the staff of Iroquois Memorial Hospice and Iroquois Resident Home for their tender care of John in his final days.
A memorial service to honor John's life, family history, and love of the Chicago Cubs will be held at John's church, the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, 215 East Cherry Street, on Sunday, August 18, starting at 10:15 am CT, followed by lunch, coffee, and desserts. Befittingly, John's church is located on Cherry Street - John's favorite fruit was cherries, which he especially loved his wife's delicious cherry cobbler. In October, John and his great grandfather L'Hote will be honored at the Milford District Library. Date and details to come. John will be buried with his wife and next to his grandparents Matie and Earl Davis in the Maple Grove Cemetery, which is especially majestic in the fall when the maple leaves shine bright and golden, much like how John's life shined and how his eternal legacy will.
https://everloved.com/life-of/john-johnny-davis/