John Paul "Whitey" Davis

John Paul "Whitey" Davis obituary, Van Buren, IN

John Paul "Whitey" Davis

John Davis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home on May 3, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

John Paul "Whitey" Davis, 84, of Montpelier, IN (Chester Township, Wells County), passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at The Waters of Hartford City, surrounded by his family at his bedside.
Whitey was born on July 16, 1940, in Blevins, Arkansas, to Yates Franklin and Dorothy Ann (Golden) Davis. He married Aleena L. Gillenwater Davis on Saturday, November 26, 1960, in Lebanon, TN. She preceded him in death on April 27, 2021.
Whitey was a 1958 graduate of Chester Center High School. He was known for sharing stories of the "good old days" and cherished his role as a dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.
He is survived by his son Rick A. (Beth) Davis of Montpelier, IN; daughter Connie S. Davis of Hartford City, IN; and daughter Lee Ann (Greg) Brigner of Hartford City, IN. Grandchildren include Angie Davis of Montpelier, IN; Brent (Melinda) Davis of Montpelier, IN; Craig A. Bartlett of Muncie, IN; Heaston Wilson of Tampa, FL; Austin (Casey) of Springhill, TN; Josh Brigner, of Bluffton, IN; Holly Brigner of Berne, IN; Carson Brigner of Hartford City, IN, Travis (Lauren) Pearson, Hartford City, IN. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Dylan (Kaitlyn), Rain, Kyndal, Kylee, Elizabeth, Cadence, Hudson, Kaylee, Brody, Daxton, and Deegan and great great grandchildren Stratton and Baker.
Also surviving are his brother Jim (Donna) Davis of Montpelier, IN; sister Janice (Lanny) Ray of Montpelier, IN; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Libby N. Bartlett, and brothers William Davis, Charles Davis, and Jack Davis.
Whitey worked for 37 years at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, IN, and Springfield, OH. He also co-owned R+D Satellite with Mike Ray. He was a proud lifetime member of the Bro Shadow Club and a supporter of 5 Points School.
He enjoyed participating in go-kart racing and was a Montpelier Speedway Track Champion. He especially loved watching his great-grandson Brody race. A lifelong Wells County farmer, he loved fishing, helping people in need, and organizing hog roasts for 5 point schools and other events. He was also active in the local Montpelier Lions Club, Sons of the American Legion – Millard-Brown American Legion Post 156, and was a loyal supporter of Montpelier establishments, especially his brother's restaurant, Frosty's
A visitation will be held at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W Windsor St, Montpelier, IN, on Tuesday, May 6, from 2–8 PM, and again on Wednesday, May 7, at 10 AM, with a funeral service to follow starting at 11AM. Burial will follow at Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier. Pastor Rick Mann and Dewey Zent will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 5 Points School, 4994 W 1100 S-90, Montpelier, IN 47359 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 North Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60635.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier, Indiana. Online condolences may be made by visiting glancyfuneralhomes.com.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John Paul "Whitey" Davis, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Walker & Glancy Funeral Home

109 W Windsor St, Montpelier, IN 47359

Make a Donation
in John Davis's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Davis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Davis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?