Robert Eugene “Bob” Davis Sr., son of the late Homer and Vergie Davis, was born on September 21, 1931 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on February 23, 2021 at his home in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 89 years.
Mr. Davis graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High School in 1949. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from October 1950 until August 1954, and serving in the Korean War.
On December 25, 1951, he was united in marriage to Marna Rhea Gillespie, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mrs. Davis preceded him in death on November 1, 2016.
Bob was a former officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, stationed in Dexter. Upon leaving the patrol, he returned to his first love of cars and became a car salesman for Taylor and Christian and the local Ford dealership. He worked for Bud Davis Chevrolet, then joined Chet Medler and bought out Bud Davis becoming Medler Davis Chevrolet in 1968; they sold the dealership in 1985. Bob then partnered with local businessmen in building the Dexter Inn, Charleston Inn, and Hickory House Inn.
Upon retirement from the motel, he concentrated on his golf game. He spent many hours working on his game, never a long ball hitter, it was always straight down the line.
He is survived by two daughters, Vicki (Bayless) Taylor and Donna (Michael) Backfisch, all of Dexter, by his sister, Betty Threlkeld; by five grandchildren, John (Lisa) Taylor of Dexter, Shannon (Jim Cochran) Taylor of Milan, New Hampshire, Michael (Rachel) Backfisch of Lewisville, North Carolina, Devonne Davis of St. Louis, Missouri, and Robbie Davis of Pacific, Missouri; by six great-grandchildren, Baylee (Austin) Decker, Rylee Taylor, Davis Backfisch, Dalton Backfisch, Calvi Cochran, and Londyn Gladney; by two great-great-grandchildren, Taylor Decker and Ryker Decker; and by his very special caregiver, Karen Robinson.
Other than by his wife, Marna, and parents, Homer and Vergie, he was preceded in death by his son, Rob Davis; by his sister, Irene Warren; by his brother, Ralph Davis; and by his brother-in-law, Donn Gillespie.
A memorial service and burial in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery will be planned for a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Bob and Rob Davis Memorial Fund, c/o First Midwest Bank, Dexter, Missouri 63841
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.
