MAJOR W.E. "GENE" DAVIS, 71, passed away Sept. 3,
2012 in Wichita Falls, TX. Burial was in Highland
Cemetery, Iowa Park.
Gene was born October 15, 1940 in Banty, OK, to Claude
Lee and Florence Ethel Hendrix Davis. He graduated in
1959 from Big Pasture High School in Randlett, TX. Gene
served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1960–
1963. Following his release from the Marines, Gene
joined the Wichita Falls Police Department in 1964
which began an illustrious 33 year career. In 1965,
Gene and Celia Jimenez (RHS-1961) were married on
his birthday in Wichita Falls. During his tenure
with the W.F.P.D., Gene attended the DEA School in
1972, graduated Cum Laude from Midwestern State
University with his degree in Criminal Justice in
1977. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy
in 1979, and later attended the Dept. of Treasury
U.S. Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar
in 1982. Gene started in the force as a patrolman,
was promoted to Sergeant in 1973, to Captain in 1977,
and was then promoted to Major in 1983. Along with
Chief Curtis Harrelson, Gene was instrumental in
establishing the Narcotics and Traffic division in
Wichita Falls, and in organizing the W.F.P.D. Motor-
cycle Unit. Gene retired from the Police Dept. in
1997.
Gene was a devoted Christian. He was a longtime member
of Lamar Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon
and taught men’s Sunday school. He was now a member
of First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls. Gene’s
grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved
spending time with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and
Florence Davis, and his brother, Freddie Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Celia Davis
of Wichita Falls, his daughter, Kimberly Davis of
Wichita Falls, 3 sisters, Mildred Mead of Llano, TX,
Ruthie Kirkpatrick of Randlett, OK, and Pat Conway
of Eufaula, OK, 1 brother, Dickie Davis of Randlett,
OK, and 3 grandchildren, Brantley Nelson, Alexandria
Nelson, and Benjamin Nelson.