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, a great sense of humor, humility, and a strong love of family. He was a life-long resident of Springfield, MO.

Growing up he attended Campbell Elementary, Jarrett Junior High, and Senior High School, now known as Central. He was one of four generations of Davises to attend Central. As a kid he took trumpet lessons paid for by his mother, but he never claimed to be a musician. One of his first jobs was working as a teenager at Young Oil, a full service gas station on the corner of Sunshine and Campbell. He always enjoyed old photos of Springfield and the places he remembered from his youth. He and Shirley had a chance to visit to the Springfield History Museum on the Square in September with Dave and Martha, and they enjoyed reminiscing about all the things on display. Wayne had a collection of all sorts of model cars, and when great-grandson Elliott visited, you could find them both in the floor playing with them.

His friends included many he made while working at City Utilities for 40 years. They witnessed his willingness to help others. 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 often a carpenter, plumber, or mechanic, the ultimate do-it-yourself man like so many from his generation. He turned the garage into a bedroom for first Dave and then Allen when they were teenagers. When they left home, he turned it back into a garage. For many years Wayne was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed westerns on TV, and for a time he sang in the church choir. In his mid-70s he got some exercise by riding the Frisco Highline Trail on the bike Shirley bought him.

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

Wayne fondly recalled time spent playing back yard baseball with oldest son Dave, 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, grandchildren Jenny, Lindsey, Colter and Mackenzie, and great-grandkids Vivian and Elliott, who 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 (and frequent fishing buddy) Allen, and by his father-in-law James Inman, mother-in-law Laura Inman, and brother-in-law Glen Inman. He was also preceded in death by many of his dear friends and work colleagues at City Utilities, too many to mention, but he certainly missed them all.

If you would like to honor Wayne's memory, the family suggests you donate to the American Cancer Society, which Wayne often did in memory of his late son Allen.

As time passes we will all remember Wayne Davis, born during the Great Depression, growing up with no money and few possessions, but with a strong work ethic that helped him build a great life for 88 years, surrounded by a loving family and great friends, like those gathered here today.