Dr. Quinton Michael Ditmore

Dr. Quinton Michael Ditmore was born to Mary Lorene “Rosie” and Quint B. “QB” Ditmore in Neosho, Missouri on May 29, 1944. The family relocated to Grove, Oklahoma in 1952, where Mike graduated from Grove High School in 1962. Throughout childhood, Mike developed a tremendous work ethic from working for QB on the family farm and at several drive-ins that the family owned throughout the years (Ditmore’s, Hamburger King and Ditmore’s Drive-in – which featured some of the first curly-q fries of the time). It was during this time that Mike also developed a close relationship with his maternal-grandfather, William Curry, which would help define him throughout his life. Following high school, Mike attended the University of Oklahoma on a President’s Scholarship. Upon (almost) graduating from OU, Mike was accepted into the University’s medical school. Mike joined the U.S. Navy to help finance his final years in medical school and upon graduating at the top of his class he accepted a commission in the Navy. Dr. Ditmore spent the next few years stationed in Pensacola, Florida where he was tasked with training young, aspiring flight surgeons. After rising to the rank of Lt. Cmdr., Dr. Ditmore was honorably discharged and secured a spot in the Neurosurgery residency at UT Southwestern Medical School under the tutelage of Dr. Kemp Clark. Dr. Ditmore was named chief resident in 1979. His practice eventually led him to Columbia, Missouri, where he joined the staff of the University of Missouri in 1980, and later opened his private practice until his retirement in 2005. From 2005-06 he served as Director of the Division of Medical Services for the State of Missouri.

While medicine always played a prominent role, since 1987 the other guiding force in Mike’s life has been his wife, Joan. Together, Joan and Mike enjoyed traveling, cooking, fishing, visiting the family cabin, woodworking, knitting and spending time with their children. Whether he went by Dr. Ditmore, Mike, son, brother, husband or dad, he will be greatly missed.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, Jeff Ditmore, and his older sister, Jean Ditmore. Mike is survived by his wife, Joan; children Michael, Josh and Justin, and Caitlin, along with son-in-law, Bob; grandchild “Q”; and younger sister Jan Ditmore.

The family will host a reception in celebration of Mike’s life on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at “The Roof” at The Broadway Hotel, 1111 East Broadway, Columbia, Missouri 65201.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wardrobe, PO Box 145, Columbia, Missouri 65205.