H. Max Davis' Obituary
H. Max Davis, age 94, longtime resident of Bellbrook, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a brief stay at St. Leonard’s Living Community in Centerville, Ohio.
Born on November 21, 1931, in Wickliffe, Kentucky, Max was the son of the late Katherine and Zearl Davis. He lived a long and remarkable life shaped by service, curiosity, music, and a deep dedication to his family and community.
Max proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished civilian career with the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory (AFFDL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he worked for 38 years, retiring in March of 1993 as research team leader after previous service as the AFFDL’s civilian administrative head. His work included serving as a technical lead on early “fly-by-wire” electronic flight control research, helping establish the foundations of the vastly safer, computer-driven systems now standard in modern aircraft.
A lifelong learner, Max earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1953, where he stayed to earn his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1954. He later returned to MIT in 1968 to complete an MBA at the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management.
Max and his first wife, Marian, settled in Bellbrook in 1960, where they raised their three children and became deeply rooted in the community. He was an active member of Bellbrook United Methodist Church since 1960, where he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on the church board, and participated in musical ensembles. His civic involvement included service on the Bellbrook Planning and Zoning Boards and chairing the committee that drafted the city’s first municipal charter. In recognition of his lasting impact, he was honored as Bellbrook’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in the 1970s.
An Eagle Scout in his youth, Max remained devoted to Scouting throughout his life, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 75 in Bellbrook and earning the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for exceptional volunteer service.
Max embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was an avid sailor, spending summers at the family cottage in Abino Bay, Ontario, on Lake Erie a property cherished and passed down by his first wife’s family since the 1920s—and sailing with the Cowan Lake Sailing Association. A passionate skier, he served on the Sugarcreek Ski Hills Ski Patrol beginning in 1975, eventually becoming Patrol Director, during which time the patrol earned National Ski Patrol of the Year honors. He also served in several regional leadership roles and continued ski patrol work into his mid-80s at Perfect North Slopes in Indiana.
Music remained one of Max’s greatest joys. A gifted clarinetist, he performed with the MIT Orchestra, church ensembles, and community bands throughout his life. His home was always filled with music, and he took special joy in sharing that passion with his children.
In his quieter moments, Max enjoyed reading poetry and fine literature, believing it enhanced self-awareness and reflection. He also loved photography, biking, hiking, and time spent outdoors. Known for his intelligence and steady curiosity, Max was always learning, always teaching, and always willing to volunteer his time and talents. Among many things, Max will be remembered for his playful sense of humor, sharp intellect, tireless work ethic, generosity, tolerance, and unwavering kindness—qualities he carried with quiet ambition and used to lift everyone around him.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Marian Louise (Cooley) Davis, and his sisters, Julia Gaysunas and Margaret Zuniga. Max is survived by his wife of 21 years, Marie Davis (with whom he shared 21 years filled with travel, skiing, sailing, and time spent with family and friends); his son, Lawrence Davis (Heidi); his daughters, Katherine (John) deGruchy and Linda (Scott) Sommers; five grandchildren, Abraham Davis, Daniel Mendez, Hillary (Alex) Yablonsky, Katie (Andrew) Combs, and Erica Sommers; six great-grandchildren, Oliver, Autumn, Jasper, Violet, Daisy, and Flora; and many extended family members and dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. A graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Bellbrook Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life service at 11:30 a.m. at Bellbrook United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mary Beth Cheeseman officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Bellbrook United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences to the family may be shared at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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