Richard E. Davidson 1928-2011

DAVIDSON, GANTZ, VERMILLION

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/14/2013 at 14:24:09

Sioux City Journal
18 October 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Richard E. Davidson, 83, of Sioux City passed away Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at Good Samaritan Village Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City, with the Rev. Merill Muller officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Richard was born Aug. 25, 1928, in Sioux City, to Sinclair and Carmelita (Gantz) Davidson. He graduated from Trinity High School in Sioux City. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Following the war, he came back to Sioux City and became a firefighter. After 29 years of service, he retired from the Sioux City Fire Department as a captain. He delivered flowers for a while and then volunteered at Mercy Medical as an escort for several years.

He was married to Patricia Vermillion in 1953. To this union four children were born. He was later married to Eileen Weaver in August 1971 in Sioux City. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2000, in Sioux City.

Richard enjoyed roofing houses, and traveling, of which one of his favorite travels was a cruise to Alaska. He also enjoyed watching Friday night fights. Richard was also a Golden Gloves champion in Sioux City. He was a member of the American Legion, Retired Fireman's Association, IAFF, and the Humane Society.

He is survived by his four children, Barry C. Davidson of Minneapolis, Bradley S. (Darlys) Davidson of Elk Point, S.D., Molly A. (Mark) Woodard of Minneapolis, and Mari P. (Randy) Farland of Sioux Falls, S.D.; a sister, Dorcas (Joe) Pillar of Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Edward Copps; son in-law, Mark Hanson; and an infant son, Robert Davidson.