Dean Atwood Davidson

Funeral services for Dean A. Davidson, age 87, of Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Bedford, who died Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at his home will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 and the Iowa Army National Guard will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed to the Bedford American Legion or the Fairview Cemetery Association. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dean Atwood Davidson was born January 11, 1925, in Bedford, Iowa the son of Lewis James Davidson and Iva Mae (Crawford) Davidson, his twin brother was Dale. He grew up on a farm south of Bedford, living there most of his life. He attended school in Bedford, graduating with the Class of 1942. After graduation, he answered the call to serve his country entering the United States Army in 1944, serving in Italy during World War II. He returned home and started farming and was recalled to serve in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1951. Upon his discharge he came back home, purchased a farm 6 miles south and 1 mile west off of the old St. Joe Road. In September of 1952, he was united in marriage to Melba June Hargrove and the couple adopted two children Lori Ann and Michael. June and the kids were killed in a traffic accident south of Maryville on July 8, 1966. In November of 1967, he was united in marriage to LaVeta McClurg (Brown). To this loving union a son Kelly was born. LaVeta had three children of her own, Connie, Richard and Wayne. The family continued to live on the farm until 1990 when Dean retired and moved to Maryville. In 1992, Dean went to work at Northwest Missouri State University, working there for ten years. LaVeta passed away on December 9, 2011.

Dean was a long-time member Berea Church of Christ; he was a 4-H Leader; served on the ASC Township Committee; and had served on the Bedford Community High School Board of Education. He was also a lifetime member of the Bedford American Legion. Having owned an airplane and flying for many years, Dean was a member of the Bedford Flying Club and the Men's Forum in Maryville. Dean was a man of strong faith. He was passionate about farming and enjoyed the lifestyle it provided his family. Being a 'true family man' Dean enjoyed vacationing with his family every year. And although he was often soft spoken, his wisdom was passed on to his family.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful father, grandfather and friend are his son Kelly Davidson and wife Beth of Indianola; two step-sons, Richard Brown and wife Deb of Clarinda; and Wayne Brown and wife Michele of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Erica and Connor Davidson; along with four step-grandchildren, Chris Brown, Joshua Diggs, Rachael Diggs and Matthew Diggs; eight step-great-grandchildren and a community of friends.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents; his first wife June in 1966; his second wife LaVeta in 2011; his son, Michael Davidson; his daughter, Lori Ann Davidson; a step-daughter, Connie Diggs; three brothers, Dwight, Dale (his twin) and Wendell; and two sisters, Mildred Cobb and Bernice Welch.

Dean will be missed by his entire family and many friends.
We will hold the memories of his gentle spirit, wisdom and counsel as a wonderful gift of encouragement. He will live on in our hearts forever.