Rev. Gillis "Gene" Eugene Davis

The Reverand Gillis Eugene “Gene” Davis, 93, of Salina, KS, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026. He was born on May 4, 1932, in Metropolis, IL.

Gene was joined in marriage to Janese Jilek on February 12, 1955, in Chicago, IL. He retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years, including service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He graduated valedictorian from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO, and spent 44 years as a Baptist Pastor. He led churches in South Carolina, Maryland, and Kansas, most recently serving as Pastor Emeritus of Faith Baptist Church of Salina.

Survivors include his children, Philip Davis (Sue) and Rebecca Zrubek (Mike), both of Salina; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Janese.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina.  A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S Ohio St, Salina, with burial to follow at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church, 639 Max Ave, Salina, KS 67401.

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