book to sign
Jon E. Davis, age 64, of Edwardsville, Illinois died at 10:30 PM Monday, May 7, 2007 at the Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. Jon was a retired teacher having taught math at Edwardsville Jr. High School and Middle School. He taught for 38 years. He was born September 8, 1942 in Granite City, IL. son of the late Nathaniel & Helen (Feilner) Davis. He married Mary Ann Williams on September 1, 1967 in Edwardsville, Il. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters; Patricia L. Davis of Hazelwood, Mo. and Jennifer A. (Husband John) Fowler of Bethalto, IL.; two brothers; Gerald (Carol) Davis of Houston, Tx. and Gene Davis of Tuscon, Az. He was preceded in death by 1 brother Nathaniel and a sister Julie Gates. Jon was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church. He was Sectional Director of Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation, Member & Treasurer for the Madison County Illinois Retired Teachers and former President of the Edwardsville Education Association. He was a life member of the IEA Retired Teacher's Association. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel United Methodist Church. |
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Jon Davis
1942 - 2007
Jon Davis personified excellence in wrestling. During his wrestling career, he served as a Wrestler, Teacher, Coach, Christian, Father, Administrator, Mentor and Leader.
Jon began his wrestling career as a Junior High and High School Varsity wrestler at Granite City, IL, under legendary Coach Red Schmitt. He was hired as a math teacher in Edwardsville in 1968 and developed and coached the Junior High Wrestling team from 1970 – 1987. Jon also started the Edwardsville Wrestling Club in 1970 so that his wrestlers could compete in the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) State Tournament Series. During his coaching career, the Edwardsville Wrestling Club won every District/Regional Tournament, placed at all Sectional Tournaments, and sent hundreds of wrestlers to participate in the IKWF State Finals. Jon has been the Director of the Edwardsville Kids Open Tournament since its inception. He continued to be a vital part of the Edwardsville Wrestling Club until his death.
Jon served as the South Sectional Director of the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation since 1977. During his tenure, the South grew from the smallest to the second largest Section in the State. His tenure of service to the IKWF is the longest of any State Officer. He was instrumental in helping start over 15 Wrestling Clubs in Southern Illinois. Under Jon’s leadership, the South Section now boasts 26 teams and two thousand wrestlers. Jon has been the Director/Co-Director of the IKWF Kids Open Tournament since its inception. He was the Director/Co-Director of the IKWF State Finals since 1977. In 1989, he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the IKWF State Tournament.
Jon was the definitive leader of the South Section of the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation. He was the eyes, ears and voice of the South. He educated over 100 young wrestling coaches in what it takes to start and run a successful wrestling club. He was the “voice of reason” of not only the South Section, but also the entire State of Illinois in regard to Youth Wrestling. Jon’s knowledge of the IKWF history and Wrestling Rule Book is second to none. His understanding of how and why the rules were implemented was invaluable to the growth and administration of the IKWF organization.
Jon’s work ethic, dedication and loyalty to the IKWF and Youth Wrestling were of the highest standard. He worked tirelessly for kids and for coaches in the entire State of Illinois. The letter “K”, which represents “Kids” in the IKWF logo, says it all in defining the man: Jon Davis. He did it all for the Kids.
Jon Davis is irreplaceable in Illinois Youth Wrestling. He leaves a legacy of dedication and service for all to follow.