David Curry remembered as visionary businessman, community builder

Published 10:38 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026

David Curry spent decades helping shape Sedalia and Pettis County by building businesses, supporting community institutions and developing opportunities that would benefit generations to come.

Curry, 87, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. A 1958 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, he was a longtime businessman and community leader whose influence extended from local economic development to innovations that improved communication for people who are deaf.

“He was a very genuine, honest, giving, and visionary,” said Jessica Craig, director of Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County. “He led this organization as not only one of our board members and in various leadership roles, but really one of our founding fathers that inked our original articles of incorporation when we formed the Sedalia Pettis County Development Corporation way back in 1965.”

Curry served on the organization’s board for nearly 50 years, helping bring industry to the area and create opportunities for economic growth.

His contributions remain visible in Thompson Meadows Industrial Park, where Curry Drive runs along the main thoroughfare.

“That is the third industrial park that we launched in 1992 and, in true fashion and very fitting, it does start with Curry Drive,” Craig said.

Craig said Curry understood the importance of supporting businesses of all sizes, particularly local small and medium-sized businesses.

“The businesses that he’s been a part of, the nonprofits that he’s had leadership roles in, and all the businesses that he impacted through his efforts and leadership truly have had an impact and a ripple effect for generations to come,” Craig said.

Curry also served as a mentor to Craig, who said he participated in hiring all four economic development directors who have held the position, including her.

Bill Shumake, who knew Curry from their Jaycees days, remembered him as a hardworking businessman who helped establish the foundation for the community’s continued development.

“He was definitely involved in Pettis County economic development, and he was the last surviving member of economic development, thanks to him. He built a great foundation for us to build upon,” Shumake said. “He was honest and hard-working. We lost a great member of the community.”

Curry’s commitment to Sedalia began long before his decades of economic development work. He was among the original Jaycees who campaigned for the Missouri Legislature to establish State Fair Community College in 1966. He also served on the board of the Children’s Therapy Center, now the Center for Human Services, for more than 20 years.

Adam B. Fischer, a longtime friend and business partner, first knew Curry as a fellow Sacred Heart student.

“We went to high school together at Sacred Heart, here in Sedalia,” Fischer said. “He was the typical kid just like everybody else.”

After Fischer returned to Sedalia following college, he found Curry deeply involved in community projects through the Jaycees, including the effort to establish the therapy center and State Fair Community College.

“He could be funny and relaxed, and he could also be very capable and very focused on business,” Fischer said.

The two eventually became business partners, investing in apartment complexes, condominiums and residential subdivisions around Sedalia. Their projects included the Somerset apartment complex on Ruth Ann Drive, Townhouse Manor on State Fair Boulevard, Embassy Park condominiums on West Broadway and subdivisions in Country Club Estates along West 16th Street.

Fischer said their partnership worked because they brought different strengths to the table. Fischer handled paperwork, while Curry took responsibility for the practical details of managing properties and coordinating repairs.

Their projects often required years of work, from securing zoning changes and hiring local contractors to selling individual condominium units and residential lots.

Jim Callis, who became acquainted with Curry after moving to Sedalia in 1962, remembered him as a hardworking family man and a loyal friend.

“If you had him for a friend, you had a real friend,” Callis said.

Curry also encouraged Callis to join the group of businessmen who met regularly for coffee at Country Kitchen, known among its members as the CK coffee group. The gathering became a longtime fixture in Curry’s life.

Sedalia entrepreneur Shirley Morley said she had known Curry for about 60 years. Although his stern manner initially intimidated her, she soon discovered someone who listened and was willing to help.

“As a young businesswoman he helped me make many decisions, and I learned to value his opinion over the years,” Morley said. “He was a man of integrity and had a vision for his family and community.”

She described Curry as a role model whose advice carried weight even when he spoke only a few words.

“Sometimes a man of few words, but his words were full of wisdom,” Morley said. “He was the best role model in so many ways, and I will always have a special place in my heart for David.”

Curry’s business interests extended beyond real estate. He was the first general agent for Old American Insurance, operating his agency across the Midwest for more than 60 years and continuing to visit the office into his 80s.

One of his most personal accomplishments grew from his family’s experience after the birth of his youngest son, Jason, who was deaf. Curry supported his wife, Emma, in efforts to change Missouri law so deaf children could attend public schools alongside hearing students.

In 2002, Curry and Jason began developing an idea for a communication device that would allow deaf and hearing people to converse face to face without a sign language interpreter. That idea led to the UbiDuo and the formation of sComm, a company whose technology has helped people communicate across the country and around the world.

Curry was married to Emma for 65 years, and together they raised four children. Their enduring relationship was reflected in a card Curry gave her early in their courtship: “All my love, all my life.”

The couple lived that promise throughout their marriage.

Curry’s legacy also reflected his belief in working toward a goal and helping others without seeking recognition. His favorite saying was, “There is no amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

He is survived by Emma; children Tracy, David Michael, Douglas and Jason; seven granddaughters; and his brother, Tim Curry.

A visitation was held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Chapel. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the church, with inurnment at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or the sComm Foundation, which supports people who are deaf, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Sedalia.

Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.