David F. Oliver (1952-2025)
David Field Oliver died on September 7, 2025.
David Field Oliver, a Kansas City native, graduated from Pembroke Country Day in 1970 and headed east for college. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Haverford College in 1974 , David then received his law degree in 1977 from Boston University. Fortunately, David returned to Kansas City where he flourished as formidable lawyer and a pivotal force in the civic community.
David commenced his legal career with a notable Kansas City trial firm, Field Gentry, led by his mother’s brother, the legendary Lyman Field. David was forever proud of his Field roots. David was a partner at Field Gentry for a number of years. Thereafter, David was a partner at Smith Gill and then Bryan Cave. He then joined our firm in 1999. Ultimately, in recognition of his importance to the firm and his signal leadership, his name was added to the letterhead. We bear that name proudly and at Berkowitz Oliver we will remain forever mindful of his legacy. He was a talented and fearless trial attorney, comfortable in the courtroom and with clients.
One of the first cases David worked on when he was an attorney resulted from the Plaza flood in 1977. The flood claimed 25 lives and caused over $100 million in damage. David was an attorney for Nichols Co. He dealt with lease issues and property damage, among others, and at the end of the day, the parties reached a resolution without filing lawsuits. David went on to specialize in commercial complex business litigation. David tried one of the few class action lawsuits that has been tried in Missouri. That trial involved taking issues to the Missouri Court of Appeals as well as the Missouri Supreme Court.
David was Chair of the Firm’s Management Committee for many years. Under David, the Committee’s philosophy was to manage efficiently so that the focus was on actively practicing law and serving clients. David took pride in watching his partners and associates succeed and the firm grow and prosper. David convened monthly partners’ breakfasts at the Bluebird Café. His style was calm and inclusive. David was instrumental in establishing our mentorship program. He was committed to connecting both associates and partners with others in the community to build relationships.
David was the recipient of the Whittaker Award in 1998; a Fellow of the American Bar Association; and honored in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Benchmark Litigation.
Not content just to practice law, David dedicated his life to public service. He once said “Practicing law is my profession, building our community, my passion.” David’s civic activities focused on pediatric health, urban education, and the arts. At his passing, David was a board member for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation. He served as a founding board member of Aligned, a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of business leaders committed to improving education in Kansas and Missouri; board member and past board chair of MRIGlobal, an applied scientific and engineering research institute; board member of William Jewell College; and board member and past board chair of De La Salle Charter High School. He served on the board of The Francis Family Foundation; The Cross Foundation; and as trustee of The Murphy Charitable Fund.
David was an emeritus trustee of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, and was a member of the board and chair of the education committee of The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He was a senior fellow at the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at the Bloch School of Management at UMKC. David also was an adjunct professor at Rockhurst University in the Helzberg School of Management.
David was an owner and partner in PLX CORP – “Plan. Lead. Execute.” PLX helps companies diversify and strengthen their boards and implement best practices in board/management relations. He received numerous awards for his service in the community and for his exceptional lawyering.
David touched our lives here, as well as the lives of so many in the community. He was a great friend and mentor to countless Kansas Citians. For years, David held court at his adopted table at Aixois in Crestwood, sometimes for business meetings and often just to connect old friends with new friends. His table now bears the brass plate: “David Field Oliver – A Really Great Person”. His legion of friends left personal notes at his table in his memory. A sampling of these tributes speak volumes:
- “You have brought joy, caring, laughter and love to so many.”
- “You changed our city for the better and you will always be remembered.”
- “Your wisdom, encouragement, generosity, spirit, and intelligence have made a tremendous impact on all of us.”
We will miss David’s positive attitude, genuine kindness, and grace, and we are better for having known him.
