Leo Freeman Davis
PAYNE: Leo Freeman Davis, age 97 died Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding.
He was born December 6, 1915 in Payne, Ohio the son of James and Pearl (Merica) Davis. On January 16, 1938 he married Caroline E. Schaefer, who preceded him in death on May 10, 2008. Leo was a life-long resident of Payne and a member of the Payne Church of Christ. He was a US Army Veteran serving during WWII. He ran an auto repair business with his father until 1956 when he was appointed postmaster of Payne where he served until his retirement. Leo made many contributions in public service such as the Paulding County Hospital Board; but his proudest contribution was as a founding board member and served for 7 years as president of the John Paulding Historical Society. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion #297 and the Payne Grange.
Leo is survived by two sons, James Davis, Payne; and Roger A. (Patty) Davis, Canton, GA; two daughters, Barbara French of Decatur, IL, and Phyllis Davis, Madison, WI; two sisters, Ruth Knoblaugh, Woodburn, IN, and Esther Fisher, Scott, OH; five grandchildren: Christine Neisslie and Ralph French, Brian Davis, Jason Davis and Mara Barker; and seven great grandchildren: Ryan and Jeff Neisslie, Clay and Emily Davis, Madison French, and Pierce and Mila Davis.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dean; sisters, Eloise Webb, Mildred Noneman, and, Lela Davis; granddaughter, Lydia Davis; and son-in-law, Frank French.
Funeral services will be conducted 10:30 AM Friday, February 1 at Payne Church of Christ with Pastor Richard Phelan officiating. Burial will follow in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Visitation will be 3-7 PM Thursday, January 31 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.
Donations may be made to John Paulding Historical Society, 600 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879; or Payne Church of Christ, 220 West Merrin St., Payne, OH 45880.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
