Donald Burt Davidson

Don’s early years were spent on a farm in Raymond, Kansas, where he started first grade. In 1929 during the Great Depression, the family had to move to Lyons, Kansas where his dad found work. School continued in Lyons, and Don graduated from high school in 1937.

During very difficult times, Don’s parents insisted that their son would attend college. College years were spent at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. He worked all four years and graduated in August 1941 with a BS Degree and a teaching certificate. During this time, Don met Betty Jean Sellers from Wenatchee, WA. They married in June, 1942.

Don proved himself an excellent educator in several jobs before being called to the Yakima School District. His first was teaching math and speech in Aguilar, Colorado. Next, he taught and was an assistant coach in Quinter, Kansas. In 1944, Don and Betty excitedly returned to the Pacific Northwest where Don accepted a job teaching math, science and coaching football and basketball. Following his four years in Tonasket, Don and Betty moved to Granger, WA, where Don became the high school principal.

In 1952, Don was called to Yakima High School where he stayed 11 years as teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal. Don loved his time at what became AC David High School. He thoroughly enjoyed being around the students and spent much time attending their activities. In later years he attended many Davis High School reunions and events. Finally, Don served the district as the Business and Data Processing Manager until he retired in 1979.

Don believed in community service. He attended Englewood Christian Church, and he loved that church. For years he served on a variety of church committees and was a responsible treasurer. He was a long time member of the Yakima Kiwanis Club, including one year served as Lieutenant Governor. In addition, he spent years as a board member of the Yakima Valley Credit Union.

When Don was 74, he began supervising student teachers for Central Washington University and Washington State University. When working for CWU, daughter Sylvia supervised him supervising!!

Those that went before Don are his wife of 63 years, Betty, his daughter Carol Davidson, and a granddaughter, Dawnya Calbreath. Don is survived by his daughters Dianna (Don) Hartvigsen, and Sylvia (Ken) Severn; his grandchildren Aaron Cencich, Darin (Mia) Davidson, Shannon(Rob) Fallon, Charlie (Molly) Severn, Davidson (Chelsea) Severn, Kristie Severn, Jennie (Jon) Helman and 12 great grandchildren. Heartfelt thanks from the family goes to Michelle Cruz, the director of Hillcrest Assisted Living at Summitview and Don’s very special care team. We are also indebted to Heartlinks Hospice’s dedicated care providers. Don loved you all and knew he received the very best care that was possible to have.

Join us for a celebration of Don’s life at Englewood Christian Church, November 7th at 5:00 PM. Honor the family with your greetings at a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

In memory of Don, contributions may be made to Englewood Christian Church mission projects, Circle of Friends at Living Care Communities.