Fredrick "Fritz" Davis

Fredrick (Fritz) Davis, born on February 11, 1935, in Williamsburg, KY, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2024, in Columbus, Indiana. He was the beloved husband of Genon Davis and a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Fritz’s journey began in Williamsburg, where he was raised by his parents Fred and Mona Davis alongside his siblings, Beatrice and Glen. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Cincinnati before settling in Columbus, Indiana, during his teen years. He graduated from Columbus North High School in 1953 and shortly thereafter, bravely served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Stationed in Munich, Germany, Fritz served with Company A 759th Tank Battalion for 16 months. His service was marked by dedication and valor, earning him several accolades including the National Defense Services Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge, Fritz returned to the United States and married the love of his life, Genon Vincent, in August of 1956 in Cincinnati. Together, Fritz and Genon built a beautiful family, starting with two children, Felicia and Timothy. While studying Mathematics and Metal Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, they laid the foundation for their future. Later, they settled in Columbus, Indiana, where they welcomed two more children, Leslie and Richard. Fritz dedicated 41 years of his life to Cummins Engine Company as a skilled tradesman toolmaker, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. Fritz’s passions were varied and abundant. An avid fisherman, he loved annual trips to White Oak, Michigan, for King Salmon fishing and deep-sea fishing expeditions to the Gulf of Mexico with friends and family. He found joy in teaching his children to fish from piers and beaches during the family’s summer trips to Florida each year and spent countless sunny days at nearby ponds and lakes pursuing his favorite catch of bluegills, crappie, and bass. In addition to his love for fishing, Fritz had a green thumb and took pride in his annual gardens. He generously shared garden space with friends and family while imparting his knowledge to his children. Fritz found solace in returning to his father's home in Williamsburg, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking in the mountains, and wading in the shallows of the Cumberland River. Fritz was a lover of nature, a walking encyclopedia of every tree and bird. He especially loved when the trees bloomed in spring and turned in the fall. The warm weather invited him to his favorite spot on the back porch where he would hold out his arms and guess the temperature with near perfect accuracy. There, he found peace and joy, watching for animals and engaging in lively conversations with family and friends. His passion overflowed into every aspect of his life, especially in his desire to help others and his insatiable hunger for knowledge, particularly in the realm of preventative health. His dedication to his family knew no bounds, and he wore the titles of dad and grandpa with immense pride, his eyes full of love and adoration for each. Fritz and Genon shared many hobbies throughout their lives together, including bowling in their younger years, playing games with friends, traveling to Europe, and creating cherished memories with their grandchildren during numerous trips to Disney World over the past 24 years. In retirement, Fritz found joy in spending time with his best friend and wife, Genon, in the dream home they built together in 2000. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Shawn Ledwinka officiating the service. Fritz will be laid to rest in the Seasons Mausoleum at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy, and is survived by his loving wife, Genon, his daughters Felicia Hayes (Mike) and Leslie Kowal (Mark), his son Richard (Lisa), and his 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fritz's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his unwavering love, generosity, sense of humor, and the countless memories he created with his cherished family and friends. Until we meet again, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬-‭26‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a condolence message online at www.jewellrittman.com.

Fredrick "Fritz" Davis

February 11, 1935 - April 10, 2024