Walter E. Davis

Walter E. “Red” Davis, 88, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, in Schoenbrunn Healthcare, New Philadelphia, following a brief illness.

Born Aug. 16, 1917, in Dover, Red was a son of the late Charles and Bessie Savage Davis. As a youth, during the Great Depression, he worked as a vaudeville entertainer in Cleveland in order to earn extra money. Red graduated from Dover High School where he played basketball and was a cheerleader. He then joined the U.S. Army, where he served honorably in the Pacific Theater, including Okinawa. On Dec. 6, 1942, he married the love of his life, Goldie M. Chek. Following the war, he was self-employed as a house painter and as a musician. Red was a talented drummer, playing with many musical groups, including the Meltones, Count Head and Gene Hildebrand.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the V.F.W. and B.P.O.E. 510, all of New Philadelphia. Additionally, Red was a long-time member of the Musicians�(TM) Union.

Survivors include his wife, Goldie; two sons, Mike (Kathy) Davis of Orlando, FL, and John (Susan) Davis of New Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Chris (Meghann), Trevor and Amanda Davis, all of Orlando, Michael Davis of Rocky River, and Amy Davis of North Canton; a great-granddaughter, Ziah Henry; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Red was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda Cush; and by two brothers, Herbert and Darrell Davis.

Red�(TM)s life will be celebrated in a service Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m., in the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will officiate. Burial will be in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens, Dover, where military rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Following the committal, there will be a meal in the church�(TM)s social hall. Family and friends are invited to call at the church�(TM)s chapel on Saturday, 10 �" 11 a.m. To sign an online register and share a fond memory of Red, please visit the funeral home�(TM)s Web site and click on “obituaries.”

Contributions in Red�(TM)s memory may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas Co., 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622, or, to the First United Methodist Church, 201 W. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663

Arrangements are in the care of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia.

Toland-Herzig, New Philadelphia
330-343-8131
www.tolandherzig.com