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Leon Alvin Davidson
05/21/1924 — 05/04/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Buena, WA
Leon Alvin Davidson
Leon A. Davidson went to be with his Lord on May 4, 2010 with his loving family by his side.
The only child of Alex and Marie Davidson, Leon was born on May 21, 1924 in Buena, WA. When he was 17 years old, Leon earned his Eagle Scout award, one of the proudest achievements of his life. He truly lived by the Boy Scout Oath. As a senior at Sunnyside High School, Leon ran his parents farm while they were building ships in Seattle during the war. In 1943 he graduated as a 3 year letterman in baseball. Although baseball was his passion and he was an avid Mariners fan, Leon very much enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren in their various sports.
Following high school he worked making apple boxes in various warehouses in the Tieton area and made 750 boxes per day. During the war years, he worked in the shipyards in Seattle as a pipefitter.
In 1949, Leon came to work on the Hanford Project, to work on the railroad. As a Heavy Duty Equipment operator he installed 44, 615 ties in record time. After 38 years of employment at Hanford, he retired.
After retirement Leon had time to enjoy his favorite hobby-fishing with his best friend of over 50 years Dutch Smith. Leon loved the outdoors and gardening, growing prize winning tomatoes. He always said he loved to watch things grow!
Leon also became a mall walker where he made many new friends. Leon was very proud of his over 24, 000 walked miles and many worn out tennis shoes.
Leon was a man of God and loved his Lord. Leon was a member of CUP Church where he met many life long friends. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Richland Community Center. He was often seen driving around town in his 55 Ford.
Leon was a hard worker who believed in always giving his 100% in anything he did, a trait he passed on to his children. He enjoyed life and his loving family. He never missed a family gathering and was devoted to them. At the age of 84 Leon went on his first jet- ski ride and roller skated with his grandchildren. His family was blessed with him as their dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He was their HERO!
In 1949 Leon met the love of his life Rita Caton. They were married August 20, 1952 in Yakima, WA. That was the beginning of a marriage made in Heaven. They were soul mates and best friends and totally devoted to each other and this was the foundation of our family.
Leon is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rita. His daughters, LaDonna Lovejoy Tim of Las Cruces, NM; Sue Dietrich Bob of Kennewick, WA; Leona Repp Phil of West Richland, WA; Mary Coates Tim of Richland, WA and his son Alex Davidson Lanea of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristie, Melanie, Rachelle, Jessica, Bobby, Nancy, David, Tommy and Beth and his great grandchildren, Cameron, Liberty, Mac, Lincoln, Kade,
Melissa, Erica, Evan and baby Sawyer due in June. He is preceded in death by his parents Alex and Marie Davidson, infant daughter Nancy Marie and his life long friend Dutch.
Special thanks to Dr. Khawandi, Dr. Tabarra and Dr. Merkley for their compassion and care for this special man!
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, 425 W. Lewis St., Pasco, WA 99301.
Visitation was held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Einans Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held today, Friday, May 7, 2010 4:00pm at Central United Protestant Church. The graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 1:30pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Dear Donna, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. May the peace which comes from the memories of love you shared with your father comfort you now and in the days ahead. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close to all of us in every thought and prayer. You have our deepest sympathies on the death of your father. From Angie Carver, your friends and co-workers many miles away in New Mexico at Mesilla Valley Healthcare.
To the family of Leon Davidson; My wife Merry and I, George, offer our sincerest condolences on your Loss,,,, Leon and my father, Baldamar Valdez, worked together for many years on the Hanford Railroad. I remember my father God rest his soul talking about all the hard work those men did, installing and repairing Railroad ties, Railroad lines, and Railroad switches. Dad specifically mentioned Leon as a very hard working man. May God bless the family during this difficult time.
Sincerely;
George and Merry Valdez
1011 Abbot St.
Richland Washington
Mrs. Davidson and family we send to you our sincerest and deepest condolences. To LaDonna, Sue, Leona, Mary and Alex, I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of your dad. Your father was a great man, who blessed the lives of many. I can count myself both honored and privileged to have had the good fortune of knowing him at a time in my life where he made a major impact on my life. Michelle and I keep each of you in our hearts and prayers during your time of loss.
To My dear sweet daddy,
I love you so so much. I miss you so much my heart aches, but I know you are free from pain now and is with our lord and savior. Thank you for being the best daddy in the world. Thank you for everything you taught me in life and for being the best Grandpa to the kids. The family gatherings will never be the same but I know you will always be watching over us. The last day you were here as I held your hand and told you it was ok to go and to save a spot for me upstairs you squeezed my hand I knew you could hear me and I know I will see you again. Until we meet again Daddy, rest in peace and fly like an eagle! Love your youngest daughter Mary
Hi Donna, don’t know if you remember me, but our kids did hula together at Onie’s many years ago. I just read about your dad and wanted to let you know that you are all in my prayers. Warm thoughts for your family. Love, Pam
If My father Doyle CUZ Fraley was alive he would for sure sing at your Husbands , Dad’s, and your grandpa’s funeral.
My dad loved Leon like a brother and I remember the many times we would come to Yakima to visit.
He told me storys about working with your dad at Hanford on the Railroad. May the Good Lord be with you all and my sis Sarah Jane and I send our love and prayers. Sorry I am not in the area for his service!
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Leon Alvin Davidson