Davidson, Gene W. 88, passed on March 5th after a marriage of 50 years to the late Marilyn Davidson (nee Chiecsek). Beloved husband of Maria Davidson until his passing. Loving father of Bryan (Deena) Davidson, Lynn (Curt) McCullough and the late Julie (Bob) Grimm. Grandfather of Paije (Billy) Croghan, Lindsey Davidson and Sam McCullough. Dear brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Gene was an early graduate from Raytown High School, the class of 1945, where upon he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps and served as a combat air crewman. He attended photography school after his discharge and worked as a studio portrait cameraman in Kansas City. Gene hitchhiked around the country, arrived in St. Louis and worked for a while at Comfort Corner and Erkers Optical Co as a camera salesman. He met and married Marilyn in 1950 and found the need for steady income, so a job with Pitney Bowes was the solution until he retired 38 years later. He had continued his interest in photography and opened a small business where he sold his own work. In an attempt to realize a childhood desire, he obtained his wife’s permission to take tap dance lessons. At age 62 it wasn’t an easy task, but with his wife’s support persevered. In his eight years of dancing, collected several awards and at times entertained at various nursing and retirement homes. Gene was an excellent mechanic, a very good photographer, an adequate dancer, an average bowler and a terrible guitar player. In his spare time he wrote a seniors column for several local newspapers and also this obituary, his final effort.
Dad penned his obituary in 2001 after the death of our mother. Since then he remarried, remained active enjoying bowling, walking, tinkering around the house, and trips to the casino. He lived a full life and loved his family very much, we will miss him.
Our special thanks to his caregivers at the de Greeff Hospice House for their kindness and care in his final days.
Services: Funeral at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road Thursday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, March 9, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.