David H. Avery, 71, of Springfield, Illinois, died Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Il.
He was born June 6, 1953, in Windsor, Missouri, the son of Stoestle Pearl “S.P.” Avery and Ruth Josephine (Sypes) Avery. In 1973 he married Sandy Collins. On August 29, 1987, he married the love of his life, Vivian Marie Johnson, and she preceded him in death on November 13, 2016.
After graduation from Windsor High School in 1971 he attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo., (now UCM). David worked for Peabody Coal for several years until transferring with the company to Springfield, Ill. He then worked for the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles and finally the United States Postal Service until his retirement. David enjoyed martial arts and fought competitively, along with his Sensai Russell Mapes, as a black belt in karate. Traveling to numerous tournaments across the country, they won many trophies and awards. He was also a founding member of BWG Racing, established in 2004. Founded to enhance diversity in Motorsports, he enjoyed leading tours at racetracks and explaining the art of racing. He cherished most helping young people see their potential in life.
True to his family’s legacy, David was devoted to preserving the Avery Family Farm, Second Missionary Baptist Church and the Sardis Cemetery. David was very dedicated and worked on all three of the properties since his birth until his last trip this past August.
Survivors include 3 daughters, Jeanne Avery, Warrensburg, Mo., Shalanda Gaines (Michael), Chatham, Ill., and Danesha Little (Carl), Winter Garden, Florida; 5 grandchildren, Trinitee, Amir, Mychael, Jordan, and Ariana; 4 brothers, Felton Avery (Lois), Grandview, Mo., Larry Avery, Inglewood, California, John Avery (Vivian L.), Olathe, Kansas, and Dale Avery (Laura), Bloomington, Ill.; 2 sisters, Grace Elaine Shockley, Clinton, Mo., and Patricia Cobb, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. In addition to his wife Vivian, he was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Michael Joe Avery, and two brothers-in-law, Marvin Shockley and Lonnie Cobb.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor, with Pastor T. Ray McJunkins officiating. Burial will be in the Sardis Cemetery, rural Calhoun, Mo. The family will receive friends before the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the youth programs of Union Baptist Church or Eastview Christian Church or the Johnson Family Reunion. Contributions may be left in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor. Condolences may be left online at www.hadleyfuneralhome.com.
