George Davidson

Biography

George W. Davidson formerly of Bellefontaine died December 24, 2014 at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield. He was born on North Main Street in Bellefontaine on January 13, 1923 the son of Florenz N. and Daisy (Moore) Davidson. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Marjorie who died prior to his birth and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

A 1942 graduate of Bellefontaine High School, Davidson enlisted in the Army shortly thereafter and served in various reserve and active duty assignments until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. He served in WWII, the Korean Conflict with the Ohio National Guard (Medical Service Corps Officer) and during the Viet Nam conflict. He was promoted to Colonel on the retired roster of the US Army Reserve in 1978. He attended several Universities including The Ohio State University and Wittenberg University. He was a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He was a licensed amateur radio operator for more than 50 years with the call sign, K8COJ.

During his military service, Davidson was awarded the Bronze Star with V device, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Award with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Award with 3 oak leaf clusters and the Combat Medical Badge with one star.

He married Thelma Jane Damsel on June 20, 1948 in Columbus and she survives as does their son the Reverend Donald (Marcella) Davidson of Topeka, Kansas.

After service in Korea he returned to Bellefontaine to assist and later to own and manage the family-owned jewelry store “F.N. Davidson Jewelry and Gift Shop” on West Columbus Ave until its closing.

A longtime member of First Lutheran Church he later became a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity Episcopal and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield at the time of his death.

George Davidson dedicated much of his life to the aims of the Masonic orders. At the time of his death, he was the senior past presiding officer of Bellefontaine Lodge, Lafayette Chapter, Logan Council and Bellefontaine Commandery. He was also a Past Patron of Bellefontaine Chapter of the Eastern Star. On the state level he served as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio in 1970-71, and was the senior living 33rd degree mason of the Valley of Dayton, AASR. He also was a Senior Member of the Order of DeMolay and an Emeritus member of the International Supreme Council of that order.

A celebration of George’s Life will be held at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 321 N. Main St. Bellefontaine on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Charlotte Reed officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty.