Dale Keith Davis

Long time Emporia businessman, community leader, and philanthropist, Dale Davis, died at home on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Dale Keith Davis, was the son of Frank Davis, Sr. and Elsie Dunn Davis. He was born October 7, 1935 in Emporia, Kansas. Dale married Carolyn Davis of Emporia.

Dale had a strong work ethic which originated in his upbringing on the family farm.    He continued working on the family farm upon graduating from Emporia High School in 1953. From there, Dale was on his unexpected path to the American dream.

Dale and his father were helping to construct Sauder Tank Company in Emporia when Dale was hired as an assistant welder.  He steadily advanced to welder, assistant lead man, shop foreman, then plant superintendent.  He was promoted to vice president which eventually led to president of Sauder Custom Fabrication.

His unique vision and a desired success for the company led to its purchase with other key employees.   Dale led the company with its strong work force committed to his vision to make the company a powerful competitor in the steel fabrication industry.

Dale retired from Sauder Custom Fabrication on January 2, 2010.  At the time of his death, Dale remained co-owner and chairman of the board of directors.

His local affiliations spanned a gamut of community organizations and causes.

He had been an Emporia city commissioner from 1993 through 2005, and served four terms as mayor.

Dale became chairman and director of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce in 1980-1983 and 2002-2003, and served on boards for Emporia Enterprises, the Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau, and was chairman the entire time he served on the board of directors for the Regional Development Association.

He was a founding member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and served on the boards of trustees for Emporia State University and the Emporia Community Foundation and on the boards of directors for Emporia State Bank & Trust and the Emporia Country Club.

Dale also was a member of the Lowther Building Fund board, the ESU President's Advisory Council, the ESU Executive Committee board, the Humanitarian Center board, and the Hopkins Manufacturing board of directors.

He served the State of Kansas in several ways, including chairman and director of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce board in 2002-2003, board member and chairman of the Kansas Performance Review board, and board member of the Kansas Cavalry, recruiting business for Emporia.

Dale's expertise captured national attention, too. He was selected to serve on boards of directors for several national organizations, including the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Steel Plate Fabricators Association, and the Advisory Council of the National Vocational Clubs of America. He also was a board member of McCall Industries.

Those leadership roles led to numerous accolades and awards across the state but particularly for the Emporia community.

The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce presented him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015; the Kansas Chamber of Commerce presented him the Ad Astra Award.

The Flint Hills Chapter of Ducks Unlimited named him a Major Sponsor Supporting Conservation and Wildlife Habitat seven times. He had served the group as chairman, an organizational committee member, and lifelong supporter.

He was named a Rotary Foundation of Rotary International "Paul Harris Fellow," and received the U.S. Army Reserves' "Support of the Troops" award in 1999, the Sam Walton WalMart Business Leader Award in 1998, and the Kansas Industrial Development Association's "Volunteer of the Year" award in 1999.

Dale also received awards as the ESU Endowment Association Team Leader Annual Community Drive in 1991, the Public Education Task Force Community Leader "Friend of Education" award in 1998, and the United Way Co-Chair Industrial award in 1985.

Dale and Carolyn Davis each received "Lifetime Advocate Awards" in 2024 for their involvement with the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia since its inception in 1978.

The couple also were major contributors to the ESU School of Business through the Now and Forever fundraising campaign.

The Davis Theater at the Emporia Arts Center was named in their honor because of their strong support of the Emporia Arts Council.

Providing educational opportunities for others was of the greatest importance to Dale.  He and his wife, Carolyn, provided over 70 scholarships at various institutions which included higher education and technical colleges.  Dale was instrumental in establishing an expanded welding program at Flint Hills Technical College.  Dale's generous spirit did not draw a line that ended at organizations and worthy public causes. He often learned of individuals who needed help, too, for one reason or another.

Creating opportunities and sustaining trapshooting as a sport was of upmost importance.  This led to Dale's continued support of the Kansas Trapshooting Association in which scholarships are provided for youth at Kansas high schools and continuing education.

Cherished memories for Dale's family include the many summers at the cabin at Lake Kahola. Fourth of July was always literally a "blast."  Sunrises, sunsets, boat rides, swimming, and outdoor cookouts are fond memories.  Dale treasured family trips to Vail, Colorado spanning 40+ years.  River rafting, gondola rides, wading in Gore Creek, and strolls through Vail Village are unforgettable. Holidays were always a cherished family affair.  Dale's favorite holidays were Fourth of July and Halloween.  Decorating for the holidays gave him great joy.

In his early years, Dale enjoyed hunting, golfing, and trapshooting.  He continued trapshooting for a good many years competing at the local, state and national levels.

Riding Harley Davidson motorcycles took Dale on long weekend rides with friends.  He loved the roar of the Harley.  Sturgis was a fun time for him each year.

Dale is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn, and their three children, Mike (Liz) Davis of Olathe, Becky (Steve) Mayes of Emporia, and Terri (Jeff) McAlister of Emporia; their grandchildren are Stephanie Adkins, Megan Clopton, Rachael Clopton, Brianne Sommer, and Brock Davis; their great grandchildren are Paxton, Griffin and Remington Sommer, Payton and Ainslee Adkins.  Dale's brother Bob Davis of Olpe and his sister, Joyce (Joe) Pimple of Alma, also survive.

Dale was preceded in his death by his parents and brother, Frank Davis, Jr.

Dale was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.  A private family service, conducted by the Pastor Norbert Tegtmeier, is planned.  A celebration of life will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in the Granada Theater.  Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations to the Emporia Community Foundation may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.