About Us
Our History
Our history dates back to 1905, when Leon P. "Lee" Davis, the middle child of George and Victoria Davis, earned his diploma from the Massachusetts School of Embalming in Columbus in 1904. By 1905, Lee was in the undertaking business.
His father, George was a farmer in Willoughby in 1900. George's son, Charles was a salesman in the grocery business, and his daughter, Mildred, was a student. L.P. "Lee" attended the Adelbert College of Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Later he attended and received his diploma.
The first "store" was on Erie Street in Willoughby. Most funerals were still being held in homes or at churches at the time. Embalming was usually done in the home, but later this was done at the funeral home and services were offered there as well.
In 1906, Lee married Jessie I. Langshaw and about a year later, Roger Van Gorder Davis was born to them. Lee was working on his own account and concurrently teaching at the local high school, substituting for S. D. Shankland. He owned his home free of mortgage by 1910 at 49 Second Street in Willoughby. The family had grown to include daughters, Nancy and Helen.
As was the custom of the day, Lee offered ambulance service to the community. In 1914 he purchased a Packard, the Tri-County area's first motorized ambulance.
Although the business began in the Austin Building on Erie Street in Willoughby, in 1914 the Cleveland Trust building became its next location, adding a furniture line. In approximately 1918, the "funeral home" was moved to 49 (now 37812) Second Street in Willoughby. Lee and his wife Jessie also resided there. Their children, Roger and Nancy, were also listed at the same residence.
By 1930, still at the Second Street location, Lee's wife Jessie was now officially an undertaker. Jessie was helping in the business, and when licensing became a requirement, she was grandfathered in for her considerable experience. Their son, Roger, earned his diploma from Cleveland School of Embalming in 1928 and joined the family business. In March of 1932, Roger married Frances and she began assisting in the business as well.
In April of 1932 Lee Davis purchased the current location at 4154 (then 36) Clark Avenue. The home they bought had replaced the Grover Home, the oldest house in Willoughby. There have been several additions made over the years, including the removal the round front porch, and a carport to south side of the home. A large brick garage was also added. There is now a breezeway connecting the home to the house to the south. The original home maintains its historic homey atmosphere.
In 1959 Lee retired, and the family business was passed down to his son Roger. In 1967, Roger's son, Charles "Chuck" Davis graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He joined the family business about the same time his classmate, John R. Vaughan did. The business ownership passed to Charles in 1979.
Lee Davis died in 1969 at the age of 87; his son, Roger V. died in 1993, at the age 86 and his grandson, Chuck, died in 2012 at the age of 67.
The Davis family has been blessed to have several long-time employees through the years. Howard W. Taylor joined the staff in 1948 and worked there until his retirement in 1982; John R. "Dick" Vaughan joined the staff in 1967 and retired in 2003 and Mitchell W. Babcock joined the staff in 1987, later purchasing the business in 2007 upon the retirement of Lee's grandson, Charles R. "Chuck" Davis.
On January 11, 2002 Davis Funeral Home was honored by the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce as its Distinguished Business for 2002. A photo of Chuck Davis was in the News-Herald along with his staff, Dick Vaughan, Dick Spotton, Mitch Babcock, and Sandy Grimaldi.
Davis Funeral Home holds the distinction of being the oldest funeral home established in Lake County, and the oldest business in Willoughby. It continues into its second century serving the community.
About Us
Our facility is located in Downtown Willoughby, which puts us right in the center of Western Lake County. We have served in this area for over 100 years.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and personalized services to support families during life’s most challenging moments. Our experienced and caring team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your loved one’s life is honored with dignity, respect, and heartfelt attention to detail. We believe that every life is unique, and we work closely with you to create meaningful tributes that reflect their story and legacy.
With a variety of options to meet your family’s specific needs and wishes, we strive to make the process as seamless and comforting as possible. Our deep commitment to excellence and care ensures that you receive the support and guidance you deserve, providing peace of mind during this difficult time. Let us help you celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that brings comfort and healing to those who cherish their memory.
Our service areas include Eastlake, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Mentor, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Willowick