DAVIS, KEITH M.
Keith M. Davis, 86, of Springfield, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2009, in James River Care Center. He was born October 10, 1922, in Blue Springs, Missouri, to Dexter Robinson and Mattie Bell Faulkenberry Davis. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and served in the 4th Marine Raider Battalion. He was honorably discharged in San Diego, California in October 1945.
Keith was involved in the financial service industry for more than 50 years, starting as a commercial banker. He began his banking career at Blue Springs Bank, eventually serving as president and director. In 1959, he went to work for Green Investment Group and from the years 1961 to 1971, became president and director of Empire Bank in Springfield. During this time he also helped organize American National Bank and First City Bank in Springfield, and Jackson County Bank in Kansas City, serving as director of each bank.
After his career in commercial banking, Keith was extensively involved in merchant and investment banking. He was a member of King’s Way United Methodist Church and Marine Corp League, United Fund Chairman and Chamber of Commerce president. He sat on the advisory boards of Drury University, St. John’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Club and Springfield Art Museum, and was inducted into the Springfield Softball Hall of Fame.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Estelle; an infant brother; and a granddaughter, Laura. Keith is survived by his wife of 63 years, Audrey of the home; son Stephen K.; son Dexter and wife, Jan; daughter Sharon Farmer; four grandchildren, Debi and husband, Arnold Moldenhauer, and Michael Bates, all of Springfield, Joel and wife, Allison Davis of Nixa, and Heather and husband, Ryan Davies of Dayton, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Gabrielle, Cameron, Tre and Audrey; four step-grandchildren and their families.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2009, in King’s Way United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Fred Royer officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to King’s Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO 65804 or the Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.