Kenneth Davidson

Kenneth L. Davidson, SFC, USA (Ret.), 77, of Hewitt went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 4, 2011 in Waco. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Richard Dool officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at the funeral home.

Kenneth was born May 18, 1934 in Alvarado the son of Rex T. and Ruby L. (Allen) Davidson. When he was almost a year old, the family moved to Hill County. He attended grade school in Hillsboro and then attended high school in Itasca and Bynum. From picking cotton, working in a gin, delivering medicine for T. B. Bond, working in the Textile Mill at Itasca at age 15, and learning the upholstery trade at Hollywood Mfg., Kenneth worked at various jobs around Hillsboro, Itasca, and Mayfield. When he was 17 he married Jeannette Brooks on March 21, 1952 in Hillsboro. At a young age, it seemed Kenneth was never satisfied. He jumped from job to job and town to town. On October 23, 1953, he was called to serve his country in the United States Army at the age of 26 and had finally found his calling in life. He completed his schooling while serving in the Army, receiving his GED at Fort Hood. He served two tours in Viet Nam. Among his many medals he was awarded, Kenneth received two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars. On March 13, 1973, after almost 20 years of service, he retired as Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the Greater Life Pentecostal Church in Lacy Lakeview, Masonic Lodge #1125 3rd degree, Shriners of Waco, and 32nd degree Scottish Rite of Waco.

Kenneth never met a stranger and loved to talk to everyone. His God, family, and his country that he served to protect were the most important things in life to him. He enjoyed family gatherings, music, and loved western movies.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Douglas Ray Davidson; two sisters, Wanda Jeane Hicks and Nelda Faye Dool; and a great-granddaughter, Josie Elaine Dunlap.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Jeannette B. Davidson of Hewitt; five children, Virginia Ann Martone and husband, Johnnie, of Jarrell, Kenneth Glen Davidson and wife, Gail, of Jacksonville, FL, Robert Earl Davidson and wife, Berna, of Oregon, Johnny Rex Davidson and wife, Kay, of Lorena, and David Wayne Davidson and wife, Jackie, of Spring; eight grandchildren, Billy Paul Martone, Andrea Dunlap, Johnnie Ray Martone, Kevin Davidson, Angela Cowan, Robert Davidson, Jr., Johnny Rex Davidson, II, and Chris Steele; 21 great-grandchildren, Anthony, McKenzie, Gracie, Jessie, Jacob, Zoe, Austin, Anika, Xavier, Isaac, Brooke, Logan, Ethan, Henry, Colleen, Nyma, Christian, Nathan, Brianna, Braden, and Conner; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation

Friday July 8, 2011 , 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors

Funeral Service

Saturday July 9, 2011 , 10:00 a.m. at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors

Burial

Saturday July 9, 2011 at Ridge Park Cemetery