Harvey J. Davis

Harvey J. Davis, 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed from this life on Thursday evening, November 8, 2018, from complications of Parkinson’s, while in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded with the love and prayers of his family.
Harvey was born on June 1, 1932 in Joplin, Missouri, son of the late Ralph West Davis and Flossie Olive (Ritter) Davis. Raised in Joplin, he attended and graduated from Joplin High School with the Class of 1950.

He then furthered his education at the University of Arkansas, graduating with a degree in Architecture. Harvey served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force in June of 1955. Once advancing to the rank of Captain, Harvey became a Jet Pilot Trainer. After his service, Harvey was honorably discharged in June of 1959.

He then moved to Springfield to start work at an architectural firm. Later, he would own and operate the Marrs-Davis and International Materials companies, as well as MidWest Truck Stop of Willow Springs, Missouri, El Rancho Truck Plaza of Cabool, Missouri and Greenfield Trading Post of Greenfield, Missouri.

In his younger days, Harvey enjoyed hunting and fishing and later became an avid golfer. He was past president of Greene Hills Country Club and designed the back nine holes, where many have enjoyed (and cursed) his work there. He was also an avid Arabian horse breeder and had earned many awards showing his beautiful horses.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Patricia (Calhoon) Davis; three sons, Jay Ralph Davis and Scott Daniel Davis, both of Springfield and David Lee Showalter, of Nixa; one sister, Mary Jane Stephens, of Joplin; one niece, Kendall Vanderbol; one nephew, Paul Stevens; eleven grandchildren, Jessica Bowling, Alex Nicholas, Josh Davis, Austin Buck, Laura Davis, Kyle Davis, Chelsea Polston, Zachary Davis, Austin Davis, Brandon Kirksey and Tyler Showalter; as well as a host of great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Preceding him in death was sons, Terry J. Davis and Gaylon Allen Davis; a grandson, Ryan Allen Davis; a great-granddaughter, Zoey Kirksey; and a sister, Naida Davis.

In celebrating Harvey’s life, a memorial visitation will be held at The Cafe, 3521 W. Kearney Street, Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, November 24th, 2018, from noon until 3 p.m. Friends are welcome to come and share memories of Harvey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are being directed to Phoenix Hospice, 3033 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, Missouri.