Michael Gary Davis

Dr. Michael Gary Davis

Dr. Michael Gary Davis, Professor of Anthropology at Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri died Saturday, March 10 at the age of 69.

Dr. Davis, the son of the late Herbert and Margaret Davis was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1942. After residing in Corpus Christi, Texas and Chicago, Illinois, he graduated from high school in New Orleans, Louisiana and enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. While stationed in Turkey, he discovered his love of learning, language and culture. Dr. Davis then received his bachelor’s degree in German and his master’s and doctorate degrees in anthropology, all from the University of Oklahoma where he met his wife Gloria during his studies. He began his career at Truman State University in 1974. His research focused on cultural and linguistic anthropology of Native North America, the cultural anthropology of the martial arts, paleotechnology, Tai Chi Chuan, and Central Asian studies. He published a book entitled “Ecology, Sociopolitical Organization, and Cultural Change on the Southern Plains” and wrote articles on the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Native North American Archery, and Tai Chi Chuan. He was also co-editor of The Asian Journal of Martial Arts.

Dr. Davis is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 45 years, Gloria Sanders Davis, originally of Ponca City, Oklahoma, daughter of the late Glen and Mary Sanders. His son Gordon Davis of Columbia, Missouri, his daughter Julia Davis of St. Louis, Missouri, his sisters Margo Davis and Sally Davis and her husband Robert Cuyler of Houston, Texas, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family also survive him. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Lara.

Dr. Davis enjoyed his studies, teaching, taking walks in the woods, practicing Tai Chi Chuan, flint knapping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, friends, and dogs.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 2pm at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.