HAHarvey Walden
3 hours agoColby James Davis, 28, Independence School District Paraprofessional
Colby James Davis, 28, passed away at home from an unknown cause on May 26th, 2026. Colby was born on August 30th, 1997, to Julie Daugherty Starnes and James Davis.
Colby graduated from Van Horn High School in 2016 and then went on to MCC – Blue River where he received his associate’s degree with honors. Colby received the Honorable Academic Achievement award with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
He then went on to the College of the Ozarks and received a bachelor’s degree in history. College of the Ozarks was very special to Colby. He was surrounded by a great group of young adults and professors. When Colby first started attending the College of the Ozarks, he worked on campus in landscaping. He hated it at first but grew to love it and stayed on the landscaping crew until graduation.
Colby was employed by the Independence School District (Luff Elementary) where he was a Paraprofessional. Colby had worked there for three years and just signed his letter of intent to return to Luff for the 2026-2027 school year. He absolutely loved the kids and staff at Luff.
Colby is survived by his mom Julie Daugherty Starnes (Chris); dad James Davis; half-brothers Jaden and Henry Davis; his stepbrothers Aaron and Alex Starnes and stepsister Alyssa Starnes; his grandfather James Daugherty; grandmother Pat Leigh; aunt Jackie Watkins; uncle Don and aunt Gena Davis; cousins Austin (Morgan) Watkins, Morgan Watkins, Tristan Davis and second cousins Gabriella Watkins, Zander Watkins and Anthony Watkins. Colby also leaves behind his beloved dogs Dallas, Jack, Tensley, Ollie and Mollie.
A Celebration of Colby’s life will take place from 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133.
Colby touched everyone he came into contact with. He was compassionate and loved his life. He loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed on this Earth however, God had bigger plans for him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of the Ozarks in memory of Colby Davis. To donate online, click the following link http://www.cofo.edu/Donate. Please put “In memory of Colby Davis” in the comment box. To donate by check/cash, please make check payable to College of the Ozarks, with “In memory of Colby Davis” on the memo line and mail to College of the Ozarks, Attn: Development Office, P. O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726.
