ROBERT DAVIS

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Former Mayor Robert R. Davis, 87, of Charleston died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born Aug. 2, 1913, in Charleston, son of R. Clarence and Rose Phelps Davis. He and Gail B. Benson were married Sept. 2, 1946. She died Oct. 31, 1999.

Davis lived in Charleston most of his life. He owned and operated R.C. Davis Cotton and Grain Co. and was a Pioneer seed distributor.

He was the first mayor of Charleston under the city manager form of government. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge 407 AF&AM.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Miller of Charleston; a brother, Joe Davis of Olive Branch, Miss.; a sister, Anna Hodges of Charleston; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston from 5-8 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Gerald Penn and Ed Hankinson officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery.