Accident Claims Life of CVM Student

David Wayne Auxier, 25, of Columbia, Missouri, who was a third-year student at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, as the result of a vehicle accident.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the First Baptist Church of Smithville, Missouri. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the church.

Auxier was born to Douglas and Melissa (Davidson) Auxier on Nov. 15, 1992 in Liberty, Missouri. He and his sisters grew up on the Auxier family farm in rural Edgerton, Missouri. He spent as much time as possible helping on the family cattle farm, which ultimately inspired his decision to become a large animal veterinarian. After graduating from Smithville High School in 2011, he earned a bachelor of science in animal science from MU before being admitted to the CVM Class of 2020.

He met his future wife, the former Shannon Keith, when he was a sophomore in high school. The high school sweethearts were married on June 11, 2016.

Auxier enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, trapshooting, baseball, and fixing anything and everything in the shop with his dad. He was a member of the Student Chapter American Veterinary Medical Association, MU CVM Bovine Club and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon Auxier, and their beloved cat, Stanley; his parents, Doug and Melissa Auxier; sisters, Jenny (Jeff) Walton and Jill (Landon) Hale; nephew, Connor Hale; grandmother, Joyce Davidson; father and mother-in-law, Kevin and Jocelyn Keith; sister-in-law, Kyleigh Keith; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lavern and Loretta Auxier and Denzil Davidson.
The family wishes to establish a memorial fund in David Auxier’s name to fund scholarships for future MU veterinary students. Donations may be made to the David W. Auxier Memorial Scholarship Fund.