Hugh Milton Davis

Hugh Milton Davis, 91, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in Mooresville, Indiana. Born on July 12, 1934, in Cairo, Illinois, Hugh lived a life marked by quiet determination, ingenuity, and a deep appreciation for his family.

Hugh was the son of Milton “Mack” and Blanche (Tilford) Davis. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1952, where he distinguished himself as a stand-out athlete in both football and basketball. After high school, he enrolled at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where in 1956 he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering which laid the foundation for a long and accomplished career.

His professional journey began with De Laval Steam Turbine Company in Trenton, New Jersey. As a senior manager at De Laval, he traveled to Iran, Tunisia, The Netherlands, and Mexico, where he directed international projects. He later moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, to join the Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors. Hugh retired from GM in 1996 after years of dedicated service. Even after retirement, his hands remained busy by taking a part-time job as a traveling bicycle assembler.

A true original when it came to do-it-yourself projects, Hugh was known for his remarkable skills and inventive spirit. From crafting radio-controlled model airplanes as a child to sewing an entire suit from a pattern as a young man and constructing his own multi-tiered deck in his later years, he embodied the essence of self-reliance and creativity.

Hugh was an avid world traveler and with his wife Georgella visited St Lucia, St. Thomas, Cozumel, Grand Bahamas, Jamaica, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Holland, and Japan in addition to many spectacular U.S. locales.
Though reserved by nature, Hugh had a warm sense of humor that endeared him to those around him. He had a lifelong love of sports and played golf until heath issues curtailed that hobby. He enjoyed rooting for Butler University’s basketball team. Hugh became an avid Indianapolis Colts fan after many years of supporting the Philadelphia Eagles during his earlier years in New Jersey. Since childhood, he was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, just like his grandfather and namesake, Jim Hugh Davis.

Hugh shared his life with his beloved wife Georgella Davis until her passing three years ago. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gloria Busch; and his stepson, Henry J. Van De Voorde.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Walt Davis; Becky Davis (Natacha Ruiz); Sue Stein; Janet Rosati (Danny); and stepdaughter and his devoted care-giver Annette Davis. He also leaves behind stepdaughter-in-law Nannette Van De Voorde; grandchildren Alex Stein, Jake Powell (Tony Long), Tara Powell, Billy Powell, Sarah Mac Davis, and Emma Davis; as well as step-granddaughters Valerie Correll (Jim Linder), Victoria Richardson (Collin), and Elizabeth Kennedy (Connor).

Hugh’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched with his quiet strength and enduring curiosity. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, September 22nd from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville.  Hugh’s Life Celebration Service will immediately follow beginning at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Father Joseph Newton officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.