Vernon L. Davison

Mr. Vernon L. Davison, age 81 of Bolivar, MO, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 6:55 pm in his home after a brief illness. Vernon was the only child of Oscar and Wava (Hood) Davison. He was born on May 16, 1932 in Ventura, CA. He spent his early years living on a citrus ranch near Ventura. When he was 14 years old the family moved to a farm near Rimby, MO. He graduated from Bolivar High School with the class of 1951. He met Martha Walker in high school and on August 11, they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Vernon joined the United States Army in 1952. Basic training was taken in Fort Riley, KS and then he was sent to Fairbanks, Alaska for a 1 ½ year tour of duty. He would never take an Alaskan vacation after that! When he was discharged, he and Martha made their home in Kansas City and he joined the Prairie Village, KS police force. Polk County kept calling them and in 1959 they purchased a farm near Polk. The raised turkeys and cattle. Martha worked at Teters and for 17 years Vernon was the bulk plant manager for MFA Oil Company. He also worked as a security officer at Citizens Memorial Hospital for several years and his last job; he was a Bailiff for the Polk County Sheriff’s office in the court house. Vernon’s first love was his family, Martha and the girls, Diane and Teresa and their families. He was quick to tell you of the accomplishments of all his family. His second love was sports of all kinds. He managed and played on a basketball team during his time in service and after returning to Polk County he played on and sponsored several baseball teams. In the mid-eighties, one of his teams won a national championship. The joy of his final years was following great granddaughter, Kaylie, in whichever sport was in season. No game was too far away or too late at night for Vernon! He attended his last basketball game in January. Vernon was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2012. He was lovingly cared for by Martha and his family until called to his Savior, Monday evening. He was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church at Huron. Surviving is his wife Martha Davison of the couple’s home; two daughters, Diane Besser and husband Mark of Bolivar; Teresa Chasteen and husband Scott of Springfield, MO; His grandchildren, Wendy Rothdiener and husband Nathan of Bolivar; Bradley Scott Chasteen Jr. of Nixa, MO; Heather Besser and Stephanie McGuire and husband Alex of Bolivar; Also his great grandchildren, Kaylie Rothdiener, Braden Rothdiener and Ava Jean Haynes. There are also a host of other relatives, friend and neighbors. Today, somewhere in the corner of glory land a ball game is ready to start. There’s a new second baseman today. He can breathe easily and his shoulder doesn’t hurt anymore. Visitation will held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 5-7 PM in the Butler Chapel Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James O. Friend officiating. Burial will be in the Payne Cemetery at Polk under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers will be Mark Besser, Scott Chasteen, Brad Chasteen, Larry Hood, Mick Hood, R. J. Welch. Honorary Casketbearers will be Velbert Walker, Brent Seiner, Randy Jones, Denzil Roberts, Kenny Jones and Paul Coffey. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society % Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar, MO 65613 Friend may sign the guest book at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Vernon L. Davison

May 16, 1932 - May 27, 2013