Elmer Richard Davidson

Elmer Richard Davidson, 81, of Washington, died Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, following a lengthy illness. He was born December 24, 1926, in Williamsport, Lycoming County, a son of Rosabelle Davidson. Mr. Davidson attended Washington High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in Pittsburgh on September 5, 1946, and received an honorable discharge from Camp Kilmer, N.J., on February 1, 1955. Mr. Davidson served in the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952 and was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for head wounds received on September 5, 1950, in Polrang, South Korea, while serving as a combat medic. He also received the Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Prior to active duty, he served in Co-H, 10th Infantry, Pennsylvania State Guard, from April 9, 1945 to June 6, 1946, under the late Edward Martin, commander and governor. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans Post 125, Houston, and a member of Taro Leaf 24th Infantry Division, Springfield, Mass., Association, and Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 455. Mr. Davidson was employed as a nursing assistant at Washington Hospital from 1964 to 1971. On June 17, 1952, he married Katherine M., who died July 20, 1987. Surviving are a daughter, Deborah (Norman) Bell of Washington; three sisters, JoAnn Kettle of Otsego, Mich., Delores Kirsch of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Elsie Myers of Washington; two grandchildren, Rose (Frank) Dillie and Christine (Brian) Durbin, with whom he made his home; and seven great-grandchildren, Kayla, Abagail, James, Anastasia, Terra, Alyssa and Christopher. Deceased are a brother, Arthur Lightner, and a daughter, Theressa. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Thursday, March 13, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Dr. Kenneth N. Schott officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church, North Franklin and Walnut Streets, Washington, PA 15301.