Marvin Warren Davison

Marvin Warren Davison, 87, of Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Marvin was born on March 19, 1938 on a rural Dallas County dairy farm near Long Lane, Mo. to Milton Warren and Goldie Ann (Richardson) Davison.
He was united in marriage to his wife of 68 years, Betty Suzanne (Young) Davison, on September 22, 1957 at Pisgah Baptist Church in Long Lane.
Marvin graduated from Buffalo High School in 1955. Soon after, he took jobs repairing shoes for soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood, and later, working at a shoe store and repair shop in Waynesville, Missouri. After Marvin and Betty married, at just 19 and 18 years old, respectively, they opened their first shoe store on the Nevada town square in 1958. Together, Marvin and Betty spent nearly 65 years owning and operating numerous retail stores across several states before retiring in 2022.
Marvin was a devoted member and deacon of Nevada's First Baptist Church. He also served as Chairman and Board of Trustees member at Southwest Baptist University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 1977; on the Board of Regents of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and held board positions in several shoe retailer associations. Throughout his life, Marvin contributed to numerous local and civic organizations in various leadership roles, including Nevada City Council and Nevada Mayor.
Marvin was a supporter of many local sports teams. A passionate fastpitch softball player, he played on and sponsored teams for over two decades, and also coached and supported little league baseball. He was an avid fan of Nevada High School basketball, and also loved attending his grandson's Webb City High School football and baseball games, following the teams at home and on the road.
Marvin was a man of deep faith whose life reflected his unwavering commitment to God, family and community. His integrity and servant-hearted leadership was an inspiration. In every area of his life–family, work, faith, service and community–Marvin consistently displayed compassion, wisdom, steadfastness and strength. He was not only respected, but deeply admired as someone who lived his values and uplifted those around him.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Davison; three sons, Bruce (Suzanne) Davison, Brent (Reina) Davison, and Brian (Nicole) Davison; ten grandchildren, Aryn Whitehead (Jonathan), Amy Miller (Mark), Ashley McCoskey (Ryan), Austin Davison, Michaela Nuckels (Chris), Gabrielle Davison, Victoria Davison, Tyler Davison (Sélah), Emily Speake (Zachary), Rachel Davison; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Hardtke; brother, Norman Davison (Benita); sister-in-law, Sylvia Davison; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five older sisters, Elsie McNeley, Ina Marshall, Quintella Douglas, Willa Dean Bates, Darlene Short; younger brother, Donald Davison; and granddaughter-in-law, Sevie Davison.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Nevada, Mo., located at 301 East Highland Avenue. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marvin W. Davison Scholarship in Business at Southwest Baptist University @ https://secure-advance.sbuniv.edu/s/1858/bp/interior.aspx?sid=1858&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063&appealcode=SBUHome
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