The passing of David Ross

The recent passing of David Ross, the retired, 25-year veteran director of the Show Me Center at Southeast Missouri State University, should not go unnoticed by the millions of people who have enjoyed major events here since 1987. David retired in 2012 but was known for his negotiating skills in bringing top-notch acts to the facility.

While I was general manager of KFVS-TV, David was always looking to partner with media to make sure area residents had the best in entertainment. It was a difficult job to get headliners to stop in Cape Girardeau, many times bypassing St. Louis and Memphis. The list was long. Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, David Copperfield, and musical groups from all over the world came to Cape due to the management skills of David Ross. He turned our small community on those special nights into a major city.

David had unique talents to get the stars. He certainly had the respect of the media executives he worked with in that 25-year period. He was the first Show Me Center director, and without David at the helm the Show Me Center would never have been as successful in the beginning years.

David Ross was one of the most honorable business leaders I have ever met and a true gentleman.

MIKE SMYTHE, Milford, Ohio