Henry Daniel Davis Sr., an Indianapolis resident who helped open the door to more opportunities for local African-Americans in law enforcement, died Jan. 17 at age 86.
As a dedicated public servant, Davis devoted much of his life to law enforcement. In 1959, he became the first African-American park ranger in Indianapolis. He was a member of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, class of 1968 and the first African-American officer to patrol the area that includes Eagle Creek on the city’s Westside.
From 1964 to 1968 Davis provided security for Mayor John J. Barton. Affectionately called the “Community Father” by many, he loved the Westside and provided security for the namesake of Babe Harris Park.
He later provided security to a number of local grocery stores, doing as much socializing as enforcement. Davis, known as a friendly man, loved to talk to people, and this served him well in his role as community liaison for the Indianapolis Police Department during the tenure of Director of Public Safety Robert Turner.
His favorite phrase was “My Man” and he endeared himself to everyone he met. He truly exemplified what it meant to be “Officer Friendly.” Davis also served as deputy coroner, retiring as a special deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
Davis, a graduate of Indianapolis Public School No. 26 and Crispus Attucks High School, was also a United States Army-Air Force veteran of World War II.
In addition to his law enforcement work, Davis was employed for 28 years at Bridgeport Brass as a crane operator, retiring in 1979.
In addition to law enforcement, Davis and his wife of 54 years, Freddie B. Davis built and operated two day care centers, Kiddie Land Day Care I and II for nearly 20 years.
The two were also involved through St. John Missionary Baptist Church in the civil rights movement and opened their home to Coretta Scott King during her visit to Indianapolis in 1963. They also housed members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in its struggle for equality.
Having professed a hope in Christ at an early age, Davis was a longtime member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, an avid ping-pong player, bowler and tennis, football and baseball enthusiast and enjoyed traveling.
Services were held recently at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, with burial at Washington Park North Cemetery.
Davis was preceded in death by his wife, Freddie B.; two sisters, Mary Alma Kerr and Dorothy Lee Harris; and one brother, Harold Davis. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Pamela Davis, Patricia Davis; son-in-law Clarence (Snookie); and his son Henry Davis Jr. and daughter-in-law (Sherrae), 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
