Thomas W. Davidson

December 08, 2013

Service Details

Tom Davidson, born April 1, 1939, died Sunday, December 8, 2013.

Befitting his April Fools Day birthday, he chose a frigid snowstorm as the day to sail off to "The Mountains of Wu," his peaceful place. His body will be cremated to fulfill his wish for a Viking burial.

A graduate of East High School, Tom attended Grandview College before and the University of Nebraska after joining the U.S. Air Force where he spent 4+ years. He had previously served 2 years in the National Guard.

In 1962, he began a 32-year career with Anderson Erickson Dairy, first as a home delivery route man and last as a transportation/labor relations director. Following AE retirement, he was a human resources consultant at Firestone and transportation manager at Roberts Dairy.

He served on several business committees and advisory boards for Des Moines Public Schools.

From childhood, he loved the water...swimming, fishing, boating...and most especially sailing with family and friends on "The April Fool" and motoring on "The Tom Foolery." Most recently, he spent as much time as possible at the Lake of the Ozarks home.

Following in his parents footsteps, he was a fabulous cook, famous for the pot roast, barbequed ribs, and secret ingredient fried chicken. His sauces and soups were splendid.

A wealth of knowledge (real, esoteric, or fictitious), he delighted in friendly debates with "the Friday Night Group" - M. Jo, Dale, Todd & Denis.

His greatest joy in life was his family - daughters Cherann and Jennifer; son-in-law Craig; grandpets Lucy, Luna and Whisper, and his wife of 54 years, Suzanne.

Others who will remember him fondly are his sister, Jeannine (Marlyn) Johnson; sisters-in-law Roberta (Tom) Abbott and Kris (Craig) Cable, along with many nieces and nephews.

A gathering in his honor will be held on Wednesday, December 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Memorials may be directed to the family for the Military Museum at Camp Dodge or the Boy Scouts of America.

On-line condolences may be made at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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