Donald Dean Davidson, 77, Carthage, Mo., passed away Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at National Healthcare, Joplin, Mo.
Donald D. Davidson was born May 4, 1932, in Mead, Kan., the son of Raymond Pierson Davidson and Mildred Ruby (Simpson) Davidson. He was a graduate of Joplin High School, Class of 1950, attending Joplin Junior College for 2 years, then to KU School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, Mo., graduating in 1954. He married Joann H. Wood on June 22, 1952, in Joplin. She preceded him in death on Sept. 5, 2003. He and his parents operated the Frisco Pharmacy, Joplin for several years, then moved with his wife to Carthage in 1964 to start the Davidson Pharmacy, which he operated till his retirement in 1991. Don was a member of the Fairview Christian Church, Carthage, a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge #9, a member of the Elks Lodge, Joplin and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Carthage. He was an avid collector of guns, loved to fish, collector of classic cars, a skilled locksmith and an avid player of cards.
Survivors include two daughters; Mary Ruth Heseman, Jefferson City, Mo., and Patricia Denise Davidson, Joplin, Mo.; two sons, Donald J. Davidson, Sr., wife, Ami, Stockton, Mo., and John W. Davidson, wife, Brenda, Joplin, Mo.; one brother, Robert E. Davidson, wife, Laveta, Joplin, Mo.; eight grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mary Ruth and one brother R. Jack Davidson.
Private family graveside services will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, in Park Cemetery, Carthage, Mo.
Memorial gifts are suggested to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, Mo., 64836.
Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Mo.
