John R. Davis

John Robert Davis, 73, a longtime Liberty resident, ended a three-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy on January 11, 2020. Visitation will be held from 6-7 pm, with a celebration of life service immediately following the visitation, on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty.

John was born November 9, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young man, John loved sports and excelled in football. Following 1964 graduation from an outstanding school career at Festus (MO) High School, he went on to become the starting center for William Jewell College in Liberty. He was a member of its 1967 football team, posting the only undefeated season in the school's history. At Jewell, John was honored to receive the Col. Alexander Doniphan award as outstanding senior in 1969, and was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Later in life, John was voted to the Festus High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements and leadership.

It was while attending William Jewell that John met the love of his life, Sheryl Suderman. They were wed on June 14, 1969, and will forever maintain a spiritual bond that transcends John's departure from this earth.

John took great pride in his career as a banker, working more than three decades at Clay County Savings Bank, serving as President, CEO, and Chairman of its Board of Directors. While John was respected for his banking acumen, he was perhaps better known for the simple kindness and compassion he bestowed upon so many. John was renowned for selfless acts of generosity and helped countless people in various capacities, never seeking more than friendship in return. He took pleasure in hard work and satisfaction from a job well done. John enjoyed the company of his wife and companion of 50 years, hunting and fishing, watching college sports, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary (Bloomer) Davis. Along with his wife Sheryl, John leaves his brother, Bill (Sandra); son, John (Bethany); daughter, Jennifer Harrison (Chad); and grandchildren, Hailey, Hayden, Madelynn, Maleah and Evan.

John was a true good soul, and while this world is an emptier place without him, his family awaits his warm smile and welcoming embrace when they too are called home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Mayo Clinic, or you may honor John’s memory by simply taking the time to extend a comforting voice and helping hand to a senior citizen in need.

Visitation will be held from 6-7 pm, with a celebration of life service immediately following the visitation, on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty.