Bertrand A. "Bert" Davis

Bert graduated high school in 1940 and completed two years of college before enlisting in the Army in 1943. He served for three years and was honorably discharged in 1946. He then completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Earlham College, graduating in 1947. He entered the Indiana University School of Law in 1950, receiving his J.D. in 1953.

Bert married Joan Faye Precht in 1953. He was employed as a field sales representative by the Medical Protective Company of Fort Wayne, a medical malpractice insurance company. He steadily moved up with the company and was eventually promoted to the position of librarian and chief researcher for the company’s in-house law library. He distinguished himself in this position until his retirement in 1988.

Bert became a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne in 1959. He served actively and faithfully as a ruling elder and member of the Adult Education Committee. He was a steadfast supporter of the church’s Christian Education ministry. He taught adult classes frequently and his teaching was highly regarded by church members.

Bert’s life was filled with family, friends, church, music, books and journals, and gardening. He was known for his summer vegetable garden, and generously shared the fruits of his labor with friends and family. He was a voracious reader of history and current events. Bert enjoyed playing and listening to classical music, especially piano sonatas and concertos. In later years he played with the Towne House Retirement Community tone chime ensemble. He enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends and was always a gracious and convivial host. He loved his daughters and regarded his sons-in-law as his own.

Bert was the quintessential gentleman and scholar; intelligent, cultured, dignified, quick-witted, and gracious. He enjoyed the respect of friends, family, and work and church colleagues. He was a generous and loving husband, father, and friend.

Bert was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan. He is survived by daughters, Linda (John) O’Connor and Amy Bartell; grandchildren, Kelly (Kate) and Stacy Bartell (Zac) and Patrick and Michael O’Connor; and great-granddaughters, Georgia Bartell and Penelope Hotaling-O’Connor.

A service celebrating Bert’s life will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, with a visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m.. Bert’s desire was to be cremated, as was Joan’s. Their ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Bert’s memory be made to two non-profits he generously supported; the Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org) or the Riley Children’s Foundation (rileykids.org). Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, Fort Wayne is handling arrangements.