Chester L. Davis, the professor emeritus of the Computer Science Department who presided over the formation of that department in the early 1970s, was known for his tremendous work ethic and love for computer science.

Davis, 84, died on April 14 at his home in Bowling Green.

Davis taught at Western from 1967 to 1990.

His colleagues at Western say that Davis had a work ethic that was unrivaled in the department.

John Crenshaw, retired professor of computer science at Western, knew Davis for more than 30 years.

“No one ever outworked him,” he said, adding that Davis was the first one in the office in the morning and the last one to leave in the evening.

Crenshaw said Davis was the mastermind behind splitting the computer science department from the math department in the early 1980s.

Davis had “sticktoitiveness;” once he conceived an idea, he saw it through to the end, Crenshaw said.

And if that perseverance in completing a project ruffled a few feathers along the way, so be it, he said.

“That’s the mark of a good leader – he gets the job done,” Crenshaw said.

Art Shindhelm, professor of computer science who arrived at Western in 1985, said he has fond memories of Davis’ kindness.

Davis invited Shindhelm to his home in a social setting during the first few months that he was at Western.

He saw Davis as the “grandfatherly” type, with a wise personality and white hair, Shindhelm said.

Davis also mentored Shindhelm by giving him guidance about life and Western, he said.

The Rev. Charles Rogers was Davis’ pastor at Christ United Methodist Church from 1992 to 1997.

Rogers said that Davis was a person willing to do anything he was asked; he was a very faithful member.

Davis was active in the community including the Bowling Green-Warren County Public Library Board, Friends of the Library, Habitat for Humanity and he served in various offices in the Sunday School and boards of Christ United Methodist Church.

Services for Davis took place on Saturday at J.C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel followed by burial in the Bowling Green Gardens.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Mildred A. Davis, Davis is survived by two daughters, two sons, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky or Christ United Methodist Church, both in Bowling Green.

Reach Larry Rowell at news@chherald.com.