- Died at 80 in Lawrence, KS, one week after wife Linda's passing
- 32-year career broadcasting Kansas Jayhawks football/basketball and Royals games
- Called 8 Final Fours, 2 NCAA titles, and 16 MLB seasons
- 14-time Kansas Sportscaster of the Year honoree
The Kansas sports community mourns the loss of Bob Davis, whose resonant voice defined generations of Jayhawks athletics. Davis passed away Thursday in his Lawrence home at age 80, just seven days after the death of his lifelong partner Linda. Family representatives confirmed both deaths occurred peacefully, though no specific causes were disclosed.
Davis' broadcasting career spanned four decades of iconic Kansas sports moments. From 1984 to 2016, he narrated the triumphs of Hall of Fame coaches Larry Brown and Bill Self, including the legendary 1988 Danny and the Miracleschampionship run. His signature call of Mario Chalmers' 2008 title-clinching three-pointer remains etched in NCAA tournament lore.
Beyond basketball, Davis spent 16 seasons with the Kansas City Royals organization, calling 2,500+ MLB games during radio's golden era. His collaborative work with broadcasting partner Max Falkenstien (1924-2019) created what ESPN called the longest-running collegiate sports duo in NCAA history.
Industry analysts note Davis' career reflects three critical broadcasting trends: 1) The irreplaceable role of regional voices in building team identity 2) Declining tenure lengths among modern sportscasters (average 5.7 years per Statista) 3) Growing audience preference for radio simulcasts during television broadcasts.
A Lawrence case study shows Davis' local impact. Flags flew at half-staff Friday at Allen Fieldhouse, while fans created a 300-item memorial at the broadcaster's favorite Topeka diner. University Chancellor Douglas Girod announced plans for a permanent exhibit in the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame.
Tributes poured in from sports figures nationwide. Bob taught me how to listen to the game's rhythm,recalled Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams. Current Jayhawks play-by-play voice Brian Hanni noted Davis' 97% audience retention rate during blowout games - nearly double the industry average.
Davis is survived by son Steven, daughter-in-law Katie, and four grandchildren. Memorial services will be held jointly for Bob and Linda Davis at Lawrence's Lied Center, with proceeds benefiting student broadcasting scholarships.