Rev. Richard Davis of Springfield, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He died at home surrounded by the books and gardens he loved, and with his family near. Rev. Davis was a well-known and beloved clergyman in the United Methodist Church. His 41 years in the ministry included serving as pastor to churches in Desoto, University City, Warrenton, Paris, Stanbury, and Bowling Green, Mo. He also served a church in Pecatonica, Ill., early in his career. He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Davis of Springfield two daughters, Janine Davis of Nashville, Tenn., and Annette Toenjes of The Woodlands, Texas two sons, Bruce Davis of Omaha, Neb., and Jeff Davis of Webster Groves, Mo. two sisters, Margaret Owen of Kansas City, Mo., and Martha Ware of Sedalia, Mo. two brothers, Harry B. Davis of Kansas City, and Howard L. Davis of New York City. He was preceded in death by two brothers, David R. Davis of Warrenton and Elmer Glenn Davis, who died as an infant, along with his father the Rev. David R. Davis, and mother, Martha (Benoist) Davis. Following the Rev. Davis' retirement in 1991, he and Mary Frances moved to Bonne Terre, Mo., and eventually settled in Springfield, Mo., in 2000. Native Missourians, Richard and Mary Frances, loved the rugged charm and beauty of the Ozarks. A scholar highly regarded for sermons that wove together historical and current events with Biblical teachings, Rev. Davis also was admired for a sharp wit that dissolved traditional barriers between a minister and churchgoer. He also was an avid gardener and gentleman farmer, most recently tending a small, boxed garden teeming with tomatoes and strawberries in his backyard in Springfield. In the 1970s, he was fond of driving his prized Allis Chalmers tractor across the small farm he owned in Gasconade County. Books meant a great deal to Rev. Davis, who frequently cited passages from Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. He received his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He was an Army Paratrooper during World War II, serving in the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. Rev. Davis was part of an extended, preaching family. His father, David Robertson Davis, and brother, Harry of Kansas City, were Methodist ministers, and his son, Bruce, is a Methodist minister in Omaha, Nebraska. Family records indicate a deep tradition in this area, with two of his forebearers serving the ministry in the late 18th century and the mid 1800s. Rev. Davis' daughter, Annette Toenjes, is the Director of Instrumental Music at The Woodlands United Methodist Church near Houston, Texas, daughter, Janine Davis is active at the Vanderbilt Episcopal Chapel in Nashville, Tenn., and son, Jeff is a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ in Webster Groves, Mo. Rev. Davis leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren. He was a cherished father- in-law to Jerry Toenjes, Jenny Davis, Nancy Davis and Holly Anderson. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at College United Methodist Church, 701 East Main St., Warrenton, Mo. 636-456-3390. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Cox Health Foundation (for patient care and research), 3525 S. National, Suite 204, Springfield, MO 65807.