Donald Edward Davison

Donald Edward Davison, 68 of Fayetteville, Ark., formerly of Butler, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at Fayetteville City Hospital Nursing Center in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born June 29, 1940, to Milton and Goldie Richardson Davison in Long Lane, Mo.

Donald, one of nine children, grew up in Long Lane and graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Mo. On Aug. 20, 1961, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Suzan Hill in Buffalo and to this union two children were born.

Donald was a local business man who moved to Butler, Mo., in 1964. He was vice president of Davison's Enterprises Inc., for 30 years. He operated Davison's Shoes on the Bulter Square for more than 20 years and oversaw numerous retail stores in a four state region. He began this business adventure with both of his brothers in the late 1960s. He and his wife were members of the First Baptist Church in Butler, Mo., for more than 40 years.

Mr. Davison served as church treasurer for 25 of those years. Donald enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan. He dedicated his life to his family, church and community. He was affectionately known as "Papa" to all four of his grandchildren. He enjoyed life and work and was the happiest spending time with family and friends. His family is comforted knowing that Donald is now with the Lord. He struggled for several years with Parkinson's Disease, but never gave up the fight to keep his independence and dignity. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Donald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia Davison, of Fayetteville, Ark.; one son, Kevin Davison and wife Kim, of Fayetteville, Ark.; a daughter, Kimberly Waits and husband David, of Tulsa, Okla.; two brothers, Marvin Davison and wife Betty, of Nevada, and Norman Davison and wife Benita, of Fayetteville, Ark.; six sisters, Ms. Elsie McNeley of Nevada, Ms. Ina Marshall of Phoenix, Ariz., Quinntella Douglas and husband Howard, of Colleyville, Texas, Marjorie Hardtkeand and husband Fred of Rolla, Mo., Willa Dean Bates and husband Wayne of Walker, Mo., and Darlene Short and husband Ed of Kansas City, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Katie, Lindsey and Hannah Davison and Cameron Waits. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, (660) 679-6555, in Butler with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Visitation, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. Burial, 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, at Memorial Garden of Memory, Buffalo, Mo. Contributions to Butler First Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting, www.schowengerdtchapel.com