Obituaries
Thomas Henry “Hank” Davis, 92
April 04, 2020
Thomas Henry Davis, better known to most as Hank, died Saturday April 4th at The Mennonite Home from complications of Covid-19. He was 92. He was a gentle soft-spoken man with a wry sense of humor, whose love of family was his lifelong driving force.
Hank was born May 20th, 1927 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania to parents Ruth and Uriah Davis. Baptized in the Methodist faith, he was the youngest of six children growing up in the coal mining village of St. Nicholas, Pa. It was a difficult time for his and for many other American families. He attended Mahanoy Township High School and excelled in football and basketball. This love of sports continued throughout his life; team bowling, handball, cycling and his favorite, golf. For many years he and his wife wintered in Florida with their back porch overlooking the thirteenth tee. He enthusiastically supported all his daughter’s and grandson’s sporting events. Naturally, he was a devoted Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles fan, owning Eagles season tickets for many years.
Hank was drafted into the US Army immediately after high school graduation and served with the Allied Occupation forces in northern Italy guarding the Italian-Yugoslavian border, (occasionally even on horseback or skis). He was recruited to play football for the 351st division’s team,” The Spearheaders”. After his discharge, Hank moved to Lancaster to work at Armstrong Industries, where he was employed for forty years, retiring in 1989.
On July 4th, 1950, he married the love of his life, Lucille Alansky. Hank and Lucille would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this summer. Having grown up during the depression, Hank loved that as an adult he and wife could travel. They were proud to have visited almost every state in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, while also traveling to numerous European destinations. Summer trips to the Jersey shore and Lake Winnipesaukee, with extended family, were among his favorite memories.
He was an active member of St. Ann-St. John Neumann Seniors, Guys and Dolls, and a regular attendee at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church until his move to The Mennonite Home two years ago.
He is survived, and will be lovingly remembered, by his wife Lucille, his daughter Marchelle of Lancaster married to William Bakken, MD; his grandson Nicholas of Lititz, married to Whitney Bakken, MD; great-grandson William Thomas; step granddaughter Beth Bakken of Lancaster. Also surviving is sister-in- law, Catherine Davis and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five siblings, Irma, James, Irene, Katherine and U. Louis.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff on Eshleman Run at Mennonite Home who lovingly cared for him over the past 2 years but especially during the past several weeks when due to the recent pandemic, family members could not visit him. They would also like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. R. Scott DeLong of Geriatric Associates for his kindness, understanding and gentle care during these recent difficult weeks.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 12noon at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with The Rev. Robert Sharman officiating. Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service. A casket interment was held at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on April 10, 2020.
The family has asked that all who attend to kindly wear a mask.
In Hank’s memory, the family would encourage everyone to observe the current state guidelines to limit the spread of Covid-19.
In lieu of flowers, please be sure that all of your immunizations, and those of your loved ones, are up to date. And when a vaccine for the Coronavirus is developed, be the first in line to receive it.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 14, 2020
Dear Lucille and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Hank he was a very sweet man. I would see him in the hall at Mennonite Home every morning and he would always say to me morning darlin. I would always say good morning, enjoy your breakfast. I miss that conversation with him every morning. Please know that we cared very much for him and miss him and it was our honor to care for him.
Donna Arndt (Unit Assistant/CNA)
April 10, 2020
Marci & Bill, Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during Easter season.
Hubert & Mary Curristin
April 10, 2020
Dear Lucille, Marchelle and Family,
Please accept our condolences at this sad time of loss. For us, a visit with Hank and Lucille was always delightfully anticipated – filled with shared stories of Lithuanian travels and Mahanoy City memories (plus delicious treats like Kugelis.)
From your family friends ( Catherine Dunchick Family ) from New Philadelphia.
Rita Shevokas Tamalavage
April 09, 2020
Lucille and Family,
I appreciated the opportunity to talk with you and Hank during the time my dad, Clarence was at the Mennonite Home. I would leave school and drive to the MH to see my dad. During supper Hank would usually sit at the same table as my dad. It was a pleasure to assist him if he needed something during the meal. We would often wait a long time to be served and it was during those times Hank would share some things about his life. About this time last year he shared about some of his experiences during the war. He made a point to let me know he had just graduated from high school. Wow! He was brave. It made me realize how quickly life passes. Hank led a very active life and I am sure it was an adjustment to have to wait on others and get around in a wheelchair. I just sat and thought about Hank and David this morning. They had both taught me so much about life, their work and their familiy from those conversations. It also gave me pause to think about where i would spend eternity. A very important decision to make in this life. You and your family will be in our prayers. I am so glad I got to know you and Hank during the time my dad was at the Home.
Audrey, Clarence’s middle daughter
April 09, 2020
To Doctor Bakker and Family..Hank sounds like a very interesting and kind man. We did not know him but we understand loss. As you miss him and remember the good things he left as marks on you, keep his kindness in your hearts.
Thinking of you,
Grace & Woody
patients of Dr. Bakken
April 09, 2020
Lucile, My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.My deepest Sympathy to you and your family. It’s been 10 years since Charlie died but you both had many trips to RCA together.
Pauline Smith
April 09, 2020
Hank! You’re spunk and smile will be missed by so many. Thank you for allowing me to care for you briefly at MH. Praying for family and friends during this time.
Cassie S
April 09, 2020
Marci and Bill, Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult loss of a wonderful and loving father. What a testament to his life and his devotion to his family that you are able to compose this beautiful memorial of some of his life’s accomplishments. Marci, how telling it is that he fostered in you this tremendous force of social awareness, even at this time of your immense personal grief. I can imagine how proud he would be of you at this moment. May his spirit and values live on in you all, which will be the greatest compliment to his life well lived. Our prayers that his soul rests in eternal peace with the Glory of God, and that that peace finds its way to all of you who are mourning.
Kathleen and Bryan
April 08, 2020
To Hank’s family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I would often talk with Hank while visiting my mother, Regina Posipanko on Eshleman Run. I will always remember Hank (and Lucy) as my son will be getting married on July 4, 2020. Hank gave Tyler some advice for a long happy marriage- “Say Yes Dear”. Prayers to you all.
April 08, 2020
Dear Marci,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I understand how difficult it is to lose a parent, but I think it must be especially difficult during these trying times with the virus. Please accept my sympathy and I will certianly keep you and your family in my prayers.
Ginny
April 08, 2020
I did not know Mr. Davis, but I wanted to send my condolences to the family. I have an Aunt in nursing care and these times are so dificult when you can’t be with family. It appears he had very good care, and I hope that gives you some comfort. Also, your request for vigilance during this time and the recommendation for updated vaccinations are a geat suggestion and a wonderful way to honor his memory. May you find comfort during this difficult time. Kind Regards.
Beth
April 08, 2020
We will miss so much. I love you grandpa
Whitney Bakken
April 07, 2020
I knew Hank and Lucille from 9 A.M. Mass at Stl Anthony’s for many years and treasured our times together. They both always had a big smile and a warm greeting which reflected their genuine kindness. Please accept my sincere sympathy on Hank’s passing — have been keeping up when I saw Kitty at Church. With love to Lucille and prayers for you both. Sheila Schoeplein
- Services
- Friday, September 10, 2021
- 12:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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