Dr. Henry Thomas Davis, Jr.

Dr. Henry Thomas Davis, Jr., age 66, of Boonville, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on March 27, 2023, in hospice care at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, Indiana. Henry was born March 13, 1957, in Evansville, Indiana, to Henry Thomas Davis, Sr. and the late Harriet Irene (Couch) Davis.

Henry graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School in 1975 and the University of Evansville in 1983, earning two degrees: Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts. After working several years as a Pharmaceutical Detail Representative for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, he attended (A. T. Still University) Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Kirksville, MO, where he earned the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in 1991. Subsequently, he completed the Michigan State University – Internal Medicine Internship (1991 – 1992) and Residency (1992 – 1994) programs. His career as an Internist began in Houston, MO, working as an Internal Medicine clinic physician and Medical Director of the newly-established Intensive Care Unit at Texas County Memorial Hospital (1994 – 1998), to meet needs for a higher level of critical medical care within that community.

In 1998, Henry returned to his hometown to be near his family, continue his faith journey within the United Methodist Church, and work as an Internist/Hospitalist in the relatively new and fast-growing field of hospital medicine within the St. Mary’s Health System. He enjoyed working directly to foster medical education and interdepartmentally to optimize workflow and inpatient care, as he continued to focus on providing specialized care supported by a sympathetic, honest rapport with peers, patients, and patients’ families. He was an adept, frequent lecturer, and his hospital committee appointments and professional-society memberships were numerous. In 2003, Dr. Davis was appointed Medical Director of Priority Care – Inpatient Services at St. Mary’s Medical Center, supervising and supporting an expert team of Hospitalists and teaching/directing St. Mary’s Medical Center Fellowship and Residency programs, as well as the university programs in Evansville:  Indiana University Medical Center-Evansville Center for Medical Education and University of Southern Indiana Graduate School of Nursing & Health Professions – Advanced Healthcare Nurse Practitioner. Throughout his career he was honored to be named Fellow by the American College of Physicians (FACP), Fellow by the American College of Osteopathic Internists (FACOI), and Senior Fellow in Hospital Medicine by the Society of Hospital Physicians (SFHM). To better serve patients and healthcare initiatives in his community, he was board certified in three medical specialties:  Internal Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and Correctional Medicine and he was credentialed as a Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and as a Certified Hospice Medical Director (HMDC). Dr. Davis served as Chief Medical Officer of IMA Resources, LLC, Boonville, IN (2006 – 2019), which consisted of two entities through which he conscientiously and personally addressed needs that are largely unmet in the surrounding communities:  medical care of incarcerated individuals (five locations) and expert-witness testimony in healthcare disputes. In 2013, Dr. Davis accepted the position of Chief of Staff at the Veterans Administration Evansville (IN) Health Care Center. In this position, he was instrumental in launching many new services locally, including chemotherapy, outpatient surgery, and dental care. Additionally, in 2017, he simultaneously served as Acting Chief of Staff at the Veterans Administration Marion (IL) Medical Center. In 2021, he transitioned from the medical profession into retirement.

Henry was a very engaging, outgoing, and likeable person. He took a genuine interest in knowing and supporting family members, extended family, friends, peers, patients, and acquaintances, which was evident through his expressions and actions. Henry strongly believed that everyone has something to teach, so there is always more to be learned from others. He was well read, a life-long learner, and a great conversationalist, with an impressive memory and a keen sense of humor, which often translated into being a great instigator or entertainer. He was full of life and surprises and touched the lives of many people in a positive manner.

Throughout his life, Henry learned many hands-on skills, including electrical wiring, welding, auto-body repair, and auto mechanics, which he used to rehabilitate old cars including his large collection of cars in various states of operation. He loved listening to rock music, playing guitar and string bass, and hosting indoor concerts for friends and family using his large collection of unique guitars and percussion instruments. He also loved traveling, taking care of the large family property near Boonville, where he hosted many themed outdoor picnics and parties, and spending time with friends at the Put & Take and through the Chandler Car Club. Most importantly, his life revolved around and focused on his wife and daughters, who have had the most wonderful life with him in a home full of love, laughter, and excitement – in his words, a perfect life.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Joyce Colleen (Wambergue) Davis; three beautiful daughters: Jordan Lee Davis, Jade Irene Davis, and Jette Colleen Davis; sister, Andora Buedel (Dr. Steven Buedel); sister-in-law, Janine Smith (Gary); brother-in-law, Jason Wambergue (Holly); father-in-law James Wambergue; and nieces and nephews: Jason Buedel, Dr. Sarah Buedel Yates (Ross Yates), Eric Buedel, Brianne Smith, Benjamin Smith (Krystal), Maurissa Smith, Lauren Wambergue, and Jason Wambergue, II.

The family would like to sincerely thank the physicians, nurses, and other caregivers, who were instrumental in extending his productive lifestyle and supporting his end-of-life wishes and needs.

A family ceremony will be held at a later date, following cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Dr Henry Thomas Davis Jr requests donations be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for Lung Cancer. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Lung Cancer Research. Please indicate “In memory of Dr Henry Thomas Davis Jr” on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207.

Condolences may be made online at www.simplecremationevansville.com.