William Lee “Bill” Davidson, 87, died Saturday April 20, 2013 at the Kansas Soldiers Nursing Home, Ft. Dodge , KS .
He was born March 3, 1926 at Oklahoma City , OK , to William Edmond and Mary Pauline (Roller) Davidson.
He attended Moore , OK high school but was drafted into the military before graduation. He later received his diploma while in the military. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, serving during WW II from May 1944 – April 1946.
He had lived in Liberal since 1958, working for Doll Motor Co. for 9 yrs, American Motors for 2 yrs and Freightliner for 15 yrs. In 1980, he started B&M Rebuilders and also worked as a bus driver for USD 480 until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of Trinity Faith Church and of the American Legion Post #80.
On June 20, 1944, he married Mary Elizabeth Grisham in Oklahoma City , OK . She died on Sept. 23, 2006.
He is survived by his
Son – Jimmy L Davidson and wife Patricia of Fritch , TX
Daughter – Debbie Schmitzer and husband Randy of Turpin , OK
Two Brothers – Don Davidson and wife Pat of Brenham , TX
Sam Davidson and wife Rowena of Norman, OK
Sister – Ann Melton and husband Fred of Houston, TX
9 Grandchildren – Brandie Reynolds and husband Dee; Josh Davidson and wife Jackie; Maranda Grimes and husband James; Shane Hammerschmidt and wife Crystal; Isabella Davidson; Angela Whitley and husband Brian; Julian Holt and wife Aja ; Thomas Schmitzer and wife Ashley; and Heather McMillon and husband Justin.
21 Great-Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by Two Sons – Joseph and Johnny Lee Davidson, Brother – Robert Davidson, Daughter-in-law – Margaret Rosemary Davidson and Sister-in-law – Beverly Denwalt .
Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 24th at Trinity Faith Church , Liberal, with Larry Young presiding. Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery with military honors conducted by U.S. Navy Honor Guard and American Legion post # 80.
Visitation will be 9 am – 8 pm Tuesday with the family present from
6 – 8 pm to greet friends at Brenneman Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas Soldiers Home at Ft. Dodge in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal , KS 67901 .
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com .