Donald G. Davidson

Donald G. Davidson, 87, of the Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown, Pa, formerly of Bedford, died Monday, April 9th, 2007, He was born on November 1st, 1919, in Bedford where he was the youngest child of the late William J. and Margaret G. Davidson.  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irma H. (Miller) Davidson, also of the Masonic Homes, whom he married September 19th, 1954; one son: William (Bill) C. Davidson and wife Nancy, and 2 grandchildren: Sara and Ryan Davidson, all of Santa Rosa, Ca. Also surviving are 5 nephews/nieces and their families, all of Pa: Don Raugh of Holtwood, Bill Raugh of Lancaster, Bob Naus and Nancy Stevenson, both of Hollidaysburg, and Margie Giberson of New Providence. First cousin Lois W. Davidson Wallace of Mechanicsburg also survives. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters: Marion Davidson, Ada ‘Elizabeth’ Raugh, and Helen Naus; one brother: Albert Davidson; and one nephew: Jim Raugh.

Mr. Davidson was a lifelong member of the Bedford United Methodist Church and a graduate of Bedford High School and later served in the Army from 1942-1946, primarily on the west coast. Roughly half of this time was with Military Police Battalion #749, which was responsible for providing security for top world dignitaries during the creation of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1944-1945. He was very proud to have served his country in this way. After the service, he returned to Bedford and worked for several years at his father’s business – Davidson Brothers Coal, Feed, and Building Supply. Later he worked 15 years for Straub Brothers clothing store, then retired in 1985 from the Bedford Water Authority, where he was employed for 25 years.

He was a member of American Legion #113, a past member of the Lions Club, and a member of Pennsylvania’s Voter Hall of Fame. He was also honored recently by the R.W. Grand Master of Masons in Pa., Brother Ronald Aungst Sr., in recognition of his 60th anniversary as a Mason, with Bedford No.320 as his primary lodge.

Don enjoyed his life and pursued it with a lifetime of family and friendships, all coupled with a sense of humor. He was passionate about music, being involved in numerous bands and signing groups, including the Bedford United Methodist choir, American Legion Junior Band, Bedford County Chorus, The Patrol Boys, The Calithumpians, Fred Shannon Band, Fishertown Band, Jaffa Temple Band, and others. He especially enjoyed walking, hiking, sightseeing, and small game hunting with his son Bill; attending local softball games in and around Bedford, and while camping in Lancaster County while visiting the Raughs; family functions, annual vacations, and visiting Bill, his family, and in-laws in Ca.

Funeral services:  Friday, April 13th at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with the Pastor Gary George of the Masonic Homes officiating.  Burial at Bedford Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received from 11am till the hour of the service at the funeral home. A gathering of friends and family after the burial will be announced. Those wishing may make contributions in Don’s memory to: Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown, C/O Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, Pa, 17022.  Sign our online guest book at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.