Richard E. Davidson

Richard E. Davidson, 83, of Sioux City passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Good Samaritan Village Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial services for Richard will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Rev. Merill Muller officiating with visitation one hour prior to service time. Military graveside services by the US Marine Corp accompanied by the Sioux City Fire Department Honor Guard will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Richard was born on August 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 US Marine Corp during World War II. Following the war he came back to Sioux City and became a fire fighter. After 29 years of service he retired from the Sioux City Fire Department as a Captain. He delivered flowers for awhile and then volunteered at Mercy Medical as an escort for several years. He was married to Patricia Vermillion in 1953. To this union 4 children were born. He was later married to Eileen Weaver in August of 1971 in Sioux City. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2000 in Sioux City. Richard enjoyed roofing houses, traveling places 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 4 children Barry C. Davidson of Minneapolis, MN; Bradley S. (Darlys) Davidson of Elk Point, SD; Molly A. (Mark) Woodard of Minneapolis, MN; and Mari P. (Randy) Farland of Sioux Falls, SD; a sister Dorcas (Joe) Pillar of Sioux Falls, SD; 10 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, step father Edward Copps, son in-law Mark Hanson, and an infant son Robert Davidson.