Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund

Type: Designated

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Judge Allan Davis was a lifelong member of Findlay and was believed to have been the longest serving Probate and Juvenile Court Judge in Ohio.

Judge Davis graduated from Findlay High School in 1961, Bowling Green State University in 1965 and Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1968. He practiced law for six years before his election in 1974. He was re-elected for more than 40 years before his retirement in 2015 when the Ohio Constitution prohibited him from running for re-election at age 71. His fondest memories were presiding over adoptions, but he was particularly proud of establishing the Adult Guardian program and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Hancock County.

Judge Davis was a member of the Findlay Rotary Club, Fort Findlay Investors, Hancock County Bar Association, Findlay Elks Lodge, and more. He was an avid bridge player as well.

As part of his duties as Probate Judge, he served 15 years on the L. Dale Dorney Distribution Committee, which eventually became The Community Foundation. Judge Davis served on the Foundation Board and Finance & Investment Committee before retiring in 2017, totaling 40 years of service to the Foundation.

Through his estate, Judge Davis established the Allan H. Davis Civic Education Fund. The purpose of this fund is to promote the civic involvement of Findlay High School students by providing extracurricular activities and opportunities that will teach them about the rights and duties of citizens and inspire them to be active participants in the United States democratic process. Judge Davis was also an enthusiastic volunteer in recent years with the Findlay High School We the People Team, preparing them for their state and national competitions.