Wayne Edward Davis

Wayne Edward Davis passed away after a seven-month battle with cancer at 10:50 p.m. on December 11, 2025, with his wife, Shirley, by his side. They were just a few months shy of their 70th anniversary.

Wayne was born on September 13, 1937, and leaves behind a legacy of decency, hard work, humility, a great sense of humor, and a strong love of family. He was a life-long resident of Springfield, MO.

His friends through the years included many he made while working at City Utilities for 40 years. After he retired, Wayne took on small jobs that utilized his numerous fix-it skills, and he became the repair man for widows and others in the neighborhood. He was always willing to lend a hand as a carpenter, plumber, or mechanic. He was the ultimate do-it-yourself man. For many years he was an avid fisherman, and for a time he sang in the church choir. In his mid-70s he enjoyed biking the Frisco Highline Trail for some exercise.

He was devoted to Shirley, whom he often referred to as "my girl," and they took great vacation trips, frequently to the west, often with travel companions Bob and Lou Miller. Twice he drove his wife and two sons up Pike's Peak on one of their many trips to the Rocky Mountains. Wayne and close friend Bob Christian drove completely around the United States, mainly traveling on Route 66, right after high school graduation, documenting their journey on post cards they sent home to his mother and grandmother, who raised him.

Wayne fondly recalled time spent teaching Dave to play baseball in the back yard, and heading to the lake for some fishing with younger son Allen. He and Shirley enjoyed visiting Allen and his family when they lived in Montana and then Alaska, and following Dave's baseball games, first when he was playing for Central, and later when he was coaching at Hillcrest. They provided special love and support for granddaughter Lindsey. They were her frequent babysitters, and in Wayne's case, the provider of pancakes before he headed to work. Wayne and Shirley treasured their neighbors from the years spent in the old house on Scenic, and at their second one on south Dexter. When Dave and Allen were growing up, the home on Scenic was always a destination for the kids in the neighborhood, and Wayne delighted in the various games they played in his back yard.

Wayne Davis is survived by wife Shirley, son Dave and his wife Martha, all in Springfield, daughter-in-law Marla Davis of Westcliffe, Colorado, and four cherished grandchildren, Jenny, Lindsey, Colter and Mackenzie. Two great-grandchildren, Vivian and Elliott, brought much joy to Wayne's life in his latter years. His special bond with Elliott was something to see.

He was preceded in death by his father Ray, mother Mildred, maternal grandmother Anna, and his beloved younger son Allen. Wayne was also preceded in death by many of his dear friends and work colleagues at CU, too many to mention, but he certainly missed them all.

Respecting Wayne's wishes, there will be a brief, simple graveside service for family and close friends at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, December 23 and 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne's memory to the American Cancer Society, a charity he often supported in memory of his late son Allen.