Jean Devault

Margaret “Jean” Davault, 100, of Richmond passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond. Jean was born May 24, 1925, in Neely’s Landing, the daughter of Hines and Estelle (Fischer) Russell. She was united in marriage to George K. Davault on May 28, 1948. He preceded her in death on June 19, 2002.

Survivors include her son, Paul (Sue) Davault of Circleville, Kan.; and daughter, Mary Davault of Houston, Texas. Other survivors include three grandchildren, Hanna (Brady) Holliday, Derek (Renell) Klein and Tricia Klein; three greatgrandchildren, Eli Rasmusen, Nicholas Klein and Derek Klein Jr.; and a brother, Bill (Sandy) Russell of Missouri City, Texas.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wildur Russell; and sister, Mildred Dillard.

Jean graduated from high school in Cape Girardeau and went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, where she played on the college tennis team and earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. It also was during her time at Southeast Missouri that she met her future husband, Doc Davault.

After graduation, Jean began her career teaching high school business in Warrington and later in Ironton. Following their marriage, she and Doc lived in Columbia and Pittsburgh, Penn., while he continued his medical education to become a physician.

In 1953, they settled in Richmond, where Doc established his medical practice, serving the community faithfully until his retirement in 1989. Together, Jean and Doc became beloved and respected members of the Richmond community.

Jean was deeply involved in her church and dedicated her time to numerous organizations, including the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served as a historical archivist for the state of Missouri and worked as a substitute teacher in Richmond schools.

Always active and full of energy, Jean devoted herself to both her community and her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, and a proud grandmother.

She and Doc shared a passion for golf, spending many hours together on the course. They were longtime members of the Shirkey Golf Club and played an instrumental role in helping establish the Shirkey Golf Club and Golf Course, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be enjoyed today.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Richmond United Methodist Church or the Shirkey Golf Club. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held Monday, Sept. 8, at the Richmond United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Jean with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.