Perry Gene Davis, age 80, of Casey, IL departed this earthly life at 12:29 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 5, 1936 in Westfield, IL, the 7th son of Edward Oscar “Pete” Davis and Ruth Mariah Lacey Davis. On July 8, 1957 he married Naomi Fay Morgan in a little country church near Claremont, IL.

Besides his wife Naomi, he leaves to mourn his passing one son, Perry Eugene “Gene” Davis of Westfield, IL; one daughter, Deborah Darlene (Russell) Conrad of Casey, IL; five grandchildren, Nickolas Davis of Nashville TN, Michael Davis of Westfield, IL, Whitney Davis of Charleston, IL, Meghan (Seth) Ghast of Casey, IL and Holly Conrad who is currently serving deployment in El Salvador with the US Navy; five great grandchildren, Nadylie and Kyler Ghast of Casey, IL, Kaylee Schoffner of Granite City, IL, Gracie and Lexi Oliver of Charleston, IL; two brothers, Arthur Davis of Olney, IL and Rex (Elaine) Davis of Fairmont, IL; three sisters, Denzel Richardson, Kay (Larry) Smith and Roberta Boyer all of Casey, IL; one sister-in-law, Emma Jean Davis of Westfield, IL and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Roger Paul Davis on February 8, 2016; great granddaughter, Khloe Rachel Davis; five brothers, Edward, Clayton, Dale, Charles and Dayne Davis; one sister, Mary Ratts; brothers-in-law, John Richardson and Don Ratts and sisters-in-law, Betty Davis and Wiletha Davis.

Perry served his country for 4 years from 1956 – 1962 in the US Army and attained the rank of Sergeant. He worked several years as a minor mechanic. Perry’s last employment was at Eastern Illinois University as a building service worker. He retired from EIU in 2000.

Perry liked to talk about old times, specifically things he did in the fifties. The story he liked to tell most was how he met Naomi. He met her in Evansville, IN at the Greyhound Bus Depot. He was boarding a Greyhound Bus on his way to Fort Benning, GA where he was stationed with the Army. Naomi was boarding that same bus on her way to Bristol, TN where she was attending Graham Bible College. Perry sat down beside her on the bus and began a conversation with her. Just three months later they became husband and wife. Most people said, “It will never last...” They shared 59 years together and 59 years is a long time!!
Perry’s favorite pastime was watching TV. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was his all-time favorite driver. He enjoyed collecting NASCAR die-cast and memorabilia. He also collected 1955 and 1956 Chevrolet die-cast. In addition, he and Naomi loved flea markets and garage sales.

Memorial services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Toner and Pastor Ray Finney officiating. Burial will follow in the Liberty Cemetery, Coles County, IL with graveside military rites by Casey VFW, Hazel Dell American Legion and Martinsville American Legion. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday evening at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Casey White Oak Church of God, 3305 E. 1000th Rd., Casey, IL 62420; Lincolnland Hospice, 1004 Health Center Drive, Suite 202, Mattoon, IL 61938 or donor’s choice.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey – Westfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.