Blue Skies and Tailwinds .....
2017 Mishawaka Pilots Club. All Rights Reserved. The Mishawaka Pilots Club is not responsible for the misuse of any information provided
MISHAWAKA PILOTS CLUB
In Loving Memory .......
It is with great sadness that we've lost a good friend and long time Pilots Club Member and Veteran, Robert (Bob) Dayhuff.
March 24, 1940 - February 15, 2019
March 24, 1940 - February 15, 2019
(South Bend Tribune Obituary link)
Robert Dayhuff
Dr. Robert F. Reed M.D.
Edward J. Meidel
It is with great sadness that we've lost a good friend, Founder, and long time Pilots Club Member and Veteran, Edward J. Meidel
August 1, 1923 - January 4, 2018
August 1, 1923 - January 4, 2018
It is with great sadness that we've lost a good friend, Founder, and long time Pilots Club Member and Veteran, Dr. Robert F. Reed M.D.
January 4, 1921 - June 5, 2017
January 4, 1921 - June 5, 2017
(South Bend Tribune Obituary link)
(South Bend Tribune Obituary link)
It is with great sadness that we've lost a good friend and Pilots Club Member
Roger H. Neff
April 3,1955 - May 18, 2019 (Age 64)
Roger H. Neff
April 3,1955 - May 18, 2019 (Age 64)
My Friend Roger (by Walt Talbot)
There are people we meet in life that impact us in ways we cannot anticipate. Roger Neff was one of those people.
Roger was born on April 3, 1955 in South Bend, Indiana. The first born son with an older sister and eventually another brother and sister. Roger was diagnosed with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His mother was told that he would not live past the age of 2. She was urged to institutionalize Roger but refused.
Roger’s mother taught him how to read which became one of his favorite pastimes and
ultimately made him a rogue scholar of sorts. He was always learning. His favorite subject was history, specifically 20th century military history. If you asked Roger a question such as, “How did the US get involved in Vietnam?” He would answer the question starting with French colonization, then WWII fallout, Dien Bien Phu, the Tet offensive, and the hasty evacuation of Saigon. Dates, context, key and secondary players were always found within these answers. The depth and detail of Roger’s knowledge and memory was incomparable to most people I know including myself.
There were many other subjects that sparked Roger’s interest and often came up in
conversation. Recreational subjects included deep sea diving, formula 1 racing, classic movies and TV (Buck Rogers, Clutch Cargo), and mountaineering. Philosophy, cosmology, theology, and medical science were always up for debate with Roger. He loved sipping on a good cup of coffee and being challenged on his ideas. He was willing to learn from others as well as teach. At the end of the day, being friends with people who had opposing views was foundational to a free society in Roger’s eyes.
As a skeptic, Roger struggled to understand where and how a supreme cosmic being fit into the plethora of information he had absorbed through the years. He thought it impossible that the universe was simply a result of chance, matter, and time. However, he struggled with the problem of evil in the world. This sparked many talks of objective versus subjective moral reasoning, truth, human value, social justice, etc.
If I had one word to describe Roger it would be “aviator.” Out of all the complexity and depth of Roger’s knowledge, aviation was his passion. It was certainly the bookends of our relationship. Our first and last interaction. From the Wright brothers to NASA to current aviation trends, Roger was an expert.
In 2013, Roger, his brother Bill, and myself took to the sky’s for the first time. Roger in the left seat and I in the right. Roger balked at fear and brilliantly manipulated the Cessna’s control yoke not realizing he had full control. My hands were neatly planted in my lap. Following the flight Roger said, “the only thing that would have made the flight more magnificent would be buzzing the tower paired with the “The Right Stuff” movie soundtrack.”
In the fall of 2018, Roger started pursuing his dream of flight by joining Mishawaka Pilots Club and Mishawaka Air Activities. During that time Roger logged several hours in his Cessna performing airman certification maneuvers such as stalls, steep turns, and emergency procedures. His final flight, just weeks before his passing, was somewhat eventful. The airplane experienced a full electrical failure. This failure was paired with gusty crosswinds, looking for control tower light gun signals (due to radio failure), and loss of flaps. Roger got his adventure. He didn’t even need “The Right Stuff” soundtrack.
In another life Roger wanted to drive his Corvair around on the big island of Hawaii with his beautiful wife to his hangar where his P51 Mustang was waiting for him. However, Roger lived this life instead. He had few complaints and many friends. His legacy represents a triumph over adversity and the intrinsic value of humanity. Roger would want everyone reading this to challenge themselves in the minor and major daily tasks of life regardless of obstacles. He would challenge us to find and engage with people that we are diametrically opposed to with civility in an attempt to find common ground. These thoughts represent Roger’s true passion, people.
I will miss you my friend.
April, 3 1955 to May 18, 2019
There are people we meet in life that impact us in ways we cannot anticipate. Roger Neff was one of those people.
Roger was born on April 3, 1955 in South Bend, Indiana. The first born son with an older sister and eventually another brother and sister. Roger was diagnosed with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. His mother was told that he would not live past the age of 2. She was urged to institutionalize Roger but refused.
Roger’s mother taught him how to read which became one of his favorite pastimes and
ultimately made him a rogue scholar of sorts. He was always learning. His favorite subject was history, specifically 20th century military history. If you asked Roger a question such as, “How did the US get involved in Vietnam?” He would answer the question starting with French colonization, then WWII fallout, Dien Bien Phu, the Tet offensive, and the hasty evacuation of Saigon. Dates, context, key and secondary players were always found within these answers. The depth and detail of Roger’s knowledge and memory was incomparable to most people I know including myself.
There were many other subjects that sparked Roger’s interest and often came up in
conversation. Recreational subjects included deep sea diving, formula 1 racing, classic movies and TV (Buck Rogers, Clutch Cargo), and mountaineering. Philosophy, cosmology, theology, and medical science were always up for debate with Roger. He loved sipping on a good cup of coffee and being challenged on his ideas. He was willing to learn from others as well as teach. At the end of the day, being friends with people who had opposing views was foundational to a free society in Roger’s eyes.
As a skeptic, Roger struggled to understand where and how a supreme cosmic being fit into the plethora of information he had absorbed through the years. He thought it impossible that the universe was simply a result of chance, matter, and time. However, he struggled with the problem of evil in the world. This sparked many talks of objective versus subjective moral reasoning, truth, human value, social justice, etc.
If I had one word to describe Roger it would be “aviator.” Out of all the complexity and depth of Roger’s knowledge, aviation was his passion. It was certainly the bookends of our relationship. Our first and last interaction. From the Wright brothers to NASA to current aviation trends, Roger was an expert.
In 2013, Roger, his brother Bill, and myself took to the sky’s for the first time. Roger in the left seat and I in the right. Roger balked at fear and brilliantly manipulated the Cessna’s control yoke not realizing he had full control. My hands were neatly planted in my lap. Following the flight Roger said, “the only thing that would have made the flight more magnificent would be buzzing the tower paired with the “The Right Stuff” movie soundtrack.”
In the fall of 2018, Roger started pursuing his dream of flight by joining Mishawaka Pilots Club and Mishawaka Air Activities. During that time Roger logged several hours in his Cessna performing airman certification maneuvers such as stalls, steep turns, and emergency procedures. His final flight, just weeks before his passing, was somewhat eventful. The airplane experienced a full electrical failure. This failure was paired with gusty crosswinds, looking for control tower light gun signals (due to radio failure), and loss of flaps. Roger got his adventure. He didn’t even need “The Right Stuff” soundtrack.
In another life Roger wanted to drive his Corvair around on the big island of Hawaii with his beautiful wife to his hangar where his P51 Mustang was waiting for him. However, Roger lived this life instead. He had few complaints and many friends. His legacy represents a triumph over adversity and the intrinsic value of humanity. Roger would want everyone reading this to challenge themselves in the minor and major daily tasks of life regardless of obstacles. He would challenge us to find and engage with people that we are diametrically opposed to with civility in an attempt to find common ground. These thoughts represent Roger’s true passion, people.
I will miss you my friend.
April, 3 1955 to May 18, 2019
ROGER NEFF
ROBERT DAYHUFF
ED MEIDEL
ROBERT REED
BILL KERN
WILL FEUCHTER
ED PACKARD
ALEX NAGY
JOHN KUHARIC
JERRY THORNTON
DEAN COOK
WILLIAM HASELTON
CHUCK HIBSCHMAN
FRANK FISHER
DAVE VOGELE
RALPH EMMERT
HARLAN WHARTON
BILL MANN
MICHAEL MATZ
Walter H. Misch Jr. left us on July 7th, 2018, surrounded by family, at the age of 90
(Palmer Funeral Home Obituary link)
WALLY MISCH
Wally enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving his country proudly for nearly 7 years. He was trained as a machinist's mate and ranked as a Second Class Petty Officer prior to his honorable discharge. Wally served aboard several ships, most notably a minesweeper and the Comstock LSD-19, which he was proud to report earned 10 battle stars for it's role in the Korean War. Serving in both the end of WWII and the Korean War, Wally honed his given talent for machine repair and other mechanics as well as becoming quite talented with various firearms. Wally believed it to be his "privilege" to serve his country and would've made the Navy his career choice, however he was needed back home to assist his father and uncles at Misch Manufacturing. He worked for and eventually became a partner in this business with his brother, Don and cousin, Bill.
When Wally was approximately 40 years of age he stumbled upon flying. His love of airplanes and tenacity for flying earned him a private pilot's license. He flew or as he liked to say "punch holes in the clouds" until his mid eighties, achieving logged air time at nearly 4000 hours. He was also one of the founding members of the Mishawaka Pilot's Club.
When Wally was approximately 40 years of age he stumbled upon flying. His love of airplanes and tenacity for flying earned him a private pilot's license. He flew or as he liked to say "punch holes in the clouds" until his mid eighties, achieving logged air time at nearly 4000 hours. He was also one of the founding members of the Mishawaka Pilot's Club.
JOHN HORVATH
John D. Horvath, 75, of Elkhart, IN, died on Friday, July 10, 2020 at his residence. He was born August 18, 1944 in Elkhart, IN to the late William and Marjorie (Kessler) Horvath. He married Marilyn (Anderson) Butler on July 31, 1976 in Goshen, IN.
She survives along with a sister Mary (Daniel) Gordon of Elkhart; three step sons; Bruce and Blake Butler both of Elkhart; Brent (Jana) Butler of Winterset, Iowa; a step daughter Laurie Suter of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Michael, and Stephen Horvath.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 pm Thursday July 16, 2020 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, 403 West Franklin Street, Elkhart. A memorial service for John will be held at a later date. A zoom video is being planned for during the memorial service for family and friends that are out of town. A private family graveside service will take place at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.
Mr. Horvath was retired from Dometic Corporation as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the Elkhart General Hospital Auxiliary, Experimental Aircraft Association, the Mishawaka Pilots Club and served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the Airport Reality Corporation. He also served on the Elkhart City Redevelopment Commission.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the American Cancer Society of Indiana or the Fist Presbyterian Church Foundation of Elkhart.
She survives along with a sister Mary (Daniel) Gordon of Elkhart; three step sons; Bruce and Blake Butler both of Elkhart; Brent (Jana) Butler of Winterset, Iowa; a step daughter Laurie Suter of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Michael, and Stephen Horvath.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 pm Thursday July 16, 2020 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, 403 West Franklin Street, Elkhart. A memorial service for John will be held at a later date. A zoom video is being planned for during the memorial service for family and friends that are out of town. A private family graveside service will take place at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.
Mr. Horvath was retired from Dometic Corporation as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the Elkhart General Hospital Auxiliary, Experimental Aircraft Association, the Mishawaka Pilots Club and served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the Airport Reality Corporation. He also served on the Elkhart City Redevelopment Commission.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the American Cancer Society of Indiana or the Fist Presbyterian Church Foundation of Elkhart.
It is with sadness in our hearts we mourn the passing of our good friend and all around great guy ..
John Dale Horvath
August 18, 1944 ~ July 10, 2020 (age 75)
John Dale Horvath
August 18, 1944 ~ July 10, 2020 (age 75)
DON M. NEWMAN
We regret to advise that our dear friend Don Newman made his final flight to the West on Sunday 24 January at the age of 97. We were privileged to have shared this gentleman's - and his lady Ginger's company at informal weekly luncheons in Largo, where Florida Aviation Historical Society members and Order of Quiet Birdmen members were fascinated to learn of Don's rich life background in aviation and other fields.
Don and his first wife were married for 43 years before Mary Louise passed away in 1988. Their daughters Barbara Lee and Kathryn Louise survive him. In 1994 Don married Stephanie (Mahalick) "Ginger" Emmett, who survives him, together with her son Kim.
Chicago native Don was a WWII B-17 and B-29 instructor pilot; Purdue-trained pharmacist, Indiana pharmacy owner, and resident hospital pharmacist ; aircraft owner; Toastmaster and public speaker; school board and airport board member; twice Republican nominee for US Congress; MSBA from Indiana University/South Bend; Director of the Indiana Washington Office in Washington, DC; Undersecretary of the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), which at that time included the Social Security Administration (total budget $370 billion annually); US Minister to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada; JD from Georgetown University Law School, member District of Columbia Bar Association, and licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; Sagamore of the Wabash (Indiana governor's highest award); awarded Honorary Doctorates from Purdue University and Long Island University; and at the end of a long and satisfying career before retiring from federal service at age 75, Chief Operating Officer of the Cherokee Indian Hospital in North Carolina. What a life!
Don owned various aircraft over the years, including a Howard DGA-15P; Beechcraft Bonanza; Cessna 310Q; Cessna 414 (in which he made a solo 1992 round-trip flight across the North Atlantic to an ICAO meeting in Geneva, Switzerland); and, last, a Beechcraft V35B.
After retiring to Belleair, Florida Don and Ginger volunteered at the Clearwater Free Clinic, and Don served on the local Salvation
Army Advisory Board. In 2005 he was a proud recipient of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). He was also an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Until recent times Don remained active on the Retired
Executives Advisory Panel, and served as President of the Belleair Country Club.
Rest in Peace, old friend!
Respectfully submitted,
David "Mac" McLay
Don and his first wife were married for 43 years before Mary Louise passed away in 1988. Their daughters Barbara Lee and Kathryn Louise survive him. In 1994 Don married Stephanie (Mahalick) "Ginger" Emmett, who survives him, together with her son Kim.
Chicago native Don was a WWII B-17 and B-29 instructor pilot; Purdue-trained pharmacist, Indiana pharmacy owner, and resident hospital pharmacist ; aircraft owner; Toastmaster and public speaker; school board and airport board member; twice Republican nominee for US Congress; MSBA from Indiana University/South Bend; Director of the Indiana Washington Office in Washington, DC; Undersecretary of the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), which at that time included the Social Security Administration (total budget $370 billion annually); US Minister to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada; JD from Georgetown University Law School, member District of Columbia Bar Association, and licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States; Sagamore of the Wabash (Indiana governor's highest award); awarded Honorary Doctorates from Purdue University and Long Island University; and at the end of a long and satisfying career before retiring from federal service at age 75, Chief Operating Officer of the Cherokee Indian Hospital in North Carolina. What a life!
Don owned various aircraft over the years, including a Howard DGA-15P; Beechcraft Bonanza; Cessna 310Q; Cessna 414 (in which he made a solo 1992 round-trip flight across the North Atlantic to an ICAO meeting in Geneva, Switzerland); and, last, a Beechcraft V35B.
After retiring to Belleair, Florida Don and Ginger volunteered at the Clearwater Free Clinic, and Don served on the local Salvation
Army Advisory Board. In 2005 he was a proud recipient of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). He was also an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Until recent times Don remained active on the Retired
Executives Advisory Panel, and served as President of the Belleair Country Club.
Rest in Peace, old friend!
Respectfully submitted,
David "Mac" McLay
July 31, 1923 - January 24, 2021 (97 Years Old)
PAUL R. ELKINS
South Bend - Paul R. Elkins, 80, loving Father, Grandfather and U.S. Marine, passed away at 7:07am Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Memorial Hospital.
Paul was born on April 21, 1941, in Bloomingdale, IN to the late Samuel C. and Gladys (Farmer) Elkins. Paul was the 11th of 14 children. All but one sister has passed away.
Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce (Stull); sons, David R. (Margaret) Elkins of Bloomington, IN, and Kevin (Amy) Elkins of Edwardsburg, MI; daughter Roberta (Alan) Giebler of Missouri; grandchildren; Addison and Madeline Elkins, and Alexandria Elkins; Ashley and Jennifer Giebler; sister, Doris Walter of Montezuma, IN; and "Granddogs" Rufus and Willow.
Paul honorably served his country as a United States Marine. He worked at South Bend Range Corporation in South Bend and retired in 2001 from American Electronic Components in Elkhart. Paul enjoyed Bluegill fishing in many of the farm ponds in Parke County IN. Deep Sea Fishing in Florida and Walleye and Northern Pike fishing in Canada. He often hunted deer, rabbit, squirrel, and Mushrooms in Parke County Indiana.
He obtained his FAA Private Pilot license and enjoyed flying his Cessna. He was a member of the Mishawaka Pilots Club and was a cook for their annual Fly In Pancake Breakfast. Paul enjoyed keeping his lawn trimmed and in immaculate condition. He took great pride in his Vegetable Garden. His favorite meal was prime rib at Maxi's restaurant. He created many great memories picking fruit in Michigan with his children and grandchildren. Paul was a Liver transplant recipient in 2002. Paul and his family are forever grateful for his donor and family's generosity.
There will be no services at this time. Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Paul was born on April 21, 1941, in Bloomingdale, IN to the late Samuel C. and Gladys (Farmer) Elkins. Paul was the 11th of 14 children. All but one sister has passed away.
Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce (Stull); sons, David R. (Margaret) Elkins of Bloomington, IN, and Kevin (Amy) Elkins of Edwardsburg, MI; daughter Roberta (Alan) Giebler of Missouri; grandchildren; Addison and Madeline Elkins, and Alexandria Elkins; Ashley and Jennifer Giebler; sister, Doris Walter of Montezuma, IN; and "Granddogs" Rufus and Willow.
Paul honorably served his country as a United States Marine. He worked at South Bend Range Corporation in South Bend and retired in 2001 from American Electronic Components in Elkhart. Paul enjoyed Bluegill fishing in many of the farm ponds in Parke County IN. Deep Sea Fishing in Florida and Walleye and Northern Pike fishing in Canada. He often hunted deer, rabbit, squirrel, and Mushrooms in Parke County Indiana.
He obtained his FAA Private Pilot license and enjoyed flying his Cessna. He was a member of the Mishawaka Pilots Club and was a cook for their annual Fly In Pancake Breakfast. Paul enjoyed keeping his lawn trimmed and in immaculate condition. He took great pride in his Vegetable Garden. His favorite meal was prime rib at Maxi's restaurant. He created many great memories picking fruit in Michigan with his children and grandchildren. Paul was a Liver transplant recipient in 2002. Paul and his family are forever grateful for his donor and family's generosity.
There will be no services at this time. Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
April 21, 1941 - July 20, 2021 (80 Years Old)
Clement J. Smith, 89, of Elkhart, IN., passed away at 3:02 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Elkhart Meadows.
Clem was born on November 12, 1933 in Loretto, MI., to Maurice and Ida (Tinti) Smith.
Clem married Peggy Tharp on December 24, 1998. Peggy survives along with his son, David J. Smith of Elkhart, IN., and his daughter, Theresa Lett of Kendallville, IN., a son, Clint Howard of South Bend and a son, Ty Howard of South Bend, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Two grandchildren preceded Clem in death.
Cremation has taken place with burial to be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. G’s, 708 Lincolnway West, Osceola.
Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Clement-Smith
Clem was born on November 12, 1933 in Loretto, MI., to Maurice and Ida (Tinti) Smith.
Clem married Peggy Tharp on December 24, 1998. Peggy survives along with his son, David J. Smith of Elkhart, IN., and his daughter, Theresa Lett of Kendallville, IN., a son, Clint Howard of South Bend and a son, Ty Howard of South Bend, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Two grandchildren preceded Clem in death.
Cremation has taken place with burial to be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 30th at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. G’s, 708 Lincolnway West, Osceola.
Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Clement-Smith
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of one of our founding members, lifelong member, and friend
CLEM SMITH
LONNIE DEE DAVIS
Lonnie Dee (Jr.) Davis
February 21, 1963 ~ May 5, 2024 (age 61)
February 21, 1963 ~ May 5, 2024 (age 61)
Lonnie “Dee” Davis, Jr, 61, of Osceola is flying high after unexpectedly passing on Sunday, May 5, 2024. He was born February 21, 1963, in Benton Harbor MI to Lonnie Sr. and Sally (McCoige) Davis and later married Marsha Snyder on April 6, 1985, in White Pigeon, MI after meeting on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. The couple recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary by welcoming their first grandson.
Dee is survived by Marsha, his two daughters, Sarah (Cory) Stephens of Osceola and Alyssa (James) McGinness of Westfield, grandson, Jett Dee McGinness; two brothers, Jeff (Angie) Davis and Matt (Teresa) Davis, both of Elkhart, his mother Sally, and several nieces and nephews. Dee was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, and his son, Nicholas Dee Davis.
Dee’s life was defined by his boundless creativity, passion, and community involvement. His love for woodworking was evident in the beautiful gifts and furniture he crafted for his family and friends. His attention to detail and craftsmanship left a lasting impression on those who were fortunate to receive his creations.
As a skilled pilot, Dee served as president of the Mishawaka Pilots Club for over 20 years, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for flying with fellow aviators and students alike. He was the driving force behind a scholarship for budding aviators who recently graduated high school and loved taking people “up” for their first flight.
His entrepreneurial spirit shone through as the owner/operator of Quality Engineered Products for 36 years where he both invented and supplied the adhesive tapes used in many RV production lines. Dee also owned and managed Club Fever and the Backstage Grill in South Bend for 13 years hosting some of the biggest concerts in the area.
A devoted family man, Dee, coached youth softball while his daughters played. His family meant everything to him and even though he often worked 60+ hours a week he always made time to be at every sporting event and special activity his daughters participated in. His warm personality, strong work ethic, and many talents made him a treasured presence in the lives of those who knew him and if you ever needed anything he would drop what he was doing to lend a hand even if he already had a lot on his plate.
A time to visit with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, May 13th, from 4-7pm at Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola. A service will take place on Tuesday, May 14th at 10 am with burial to follow at Olive Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Dee is survived by Marsha, his two daughters, Sarah (Cory) Stephens of Osceola and Alyssa (James) McGinness of Westfield, grandson, Jett Dee McGinness; two brothers, Jeff (Angie) Davis and Matt (Teresa) Davis, both of Elkhart, his mother Sally, and several nieces and nephews. Dee was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, and his son, Nicholas Dee Davis.
Dee’s life was defined by his boundless creativity, passion, and community involvement. His love for woodworking was evident in the beautiful gifts and furniture he crafted for his family and friends. His attention to detail and craftsmanship left a lasting impression on those who were fortunate to receive his creations.
As a skilled pilot, Dee served as president of the Mishawaka Pilots Club for over 20 years, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for flying with fellow aviators and students alike. He was the driving force behind a scholarship for budding aviators who recently graduated high school and loved taking people “up” for their first flight.
His entrepreneurial spirit shone through as the owner/operator of Quality Engineered Products for 36 years where he both invented and supplied the adhesive tapes used in many RV production lines. Dee also owned and managed Club Fever and the Backstage Grill in South Bend for 13 years hosting some of the biggest concerts in the area.
A devoted family man, Dee, coached youth softball while his daughters played. His family meant everything to him and even though he often worked 60+ hours a week he always made time to be at every sporting event and special activity his daughters participated in. His warm personality, strong work ethic, and many talents made him a treasured presence in the lives of those who knew him and if you ever needed anything he would drop what he was doing to lend a hand even if he already had a lot on his plate.
A time to visit with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, May 13th, from 4-7pm at Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola. A service will take place on Tuesday, May 14th at 10 am with burial to follow at Olive Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of the donor’s choice.