Jan. 3, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Mizzou track and field family lost one if its past greats last week as former pole vault world record holder Joe Keith Webb passed away after a year-and-a-half long battle with cancer last week. He was 74 years old. Webb, a native of Kansas City and a 1959 graduate from the University of Missouri, reset the indoor pole vault world record at the 1957 World Indoor Championships was a fourth-place finisher at the NCAA Championships in the pole vault in 1959. Webb is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Webb, four daughters and six grandchildren.

"Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Webb personally, I am familiar with his background and accomplishments as a student at the University of Missouri," Director of Athletic Mike Alden said in a statement. "Our successes as a University are built on the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff. Certainly Mr. Webb is part of that foundation, not only in intercollegiate athletics, but as one of the great Land Grant institutions in our country. Success inside the classroom, within track and field and throughout the community translates to great recognition based on integrity, humility, confidence and courage. From what I understand, Mr. Webb would certainly exemplify those characteristics."

His service will be held on Monday, January 3, at the First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A burial will take place on Wednesday, January 5 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. His body is available for a viewing at Stumpff Funeral Home tomorrow and Sunday in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

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