Francis R. Davison
RED HOOK — Francis R. Davison, LTC Ret., 95, of Red Hook, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, with his wife, Wilma, at his side.
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Davison served his country in the U.S. Air Force for over 23 years, having retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was a member of the 361st Fighter Group, the 59th Fighter Squadron and the P-51 Mustang Pilots Association.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Davison worked as a flight instructor with Atlantic Aviation in Teterboro, N.J., and also at Skypark in Red Hook. He also was the chief pilot for Brewster Construction and for AT&T Corp.
Active in his community, Mr. Davison was a past member of Montgomery Post 429 American Legion in Rhinebeck, the Red Hook-Rhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE, the Red Hook Lions Club, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
Mr. Davison loved to travel with Wilma in their RV, spending winters in Florida and summers in Maine. They also attended many Air Force reunions on the East Coast. He also was an avid apiarist (beekeeper), and was a more than 20year member of the Red Hook Golf Club.
Born on Aug. 11, 1917, in Cochranton, Pa., he was the son of the late Lee R. and Bessie (Bossard) Davison. He was a graduate of the Townville, Pa., high school, received his associate’s degree from the University of Maryland, and graduated from Air University at Maxwell Field in Alabama.
Mr. Davison married Wilma Marks Beach in 1995 in Red Hook, and she survives at home.
In addition to his loving wife, Wilma R. BeachDavison of Red Hook, he is survived by three sons, Thomas Davison of Glenmont, Christopher Davison of Rhinebeck, and Jamie Davison of Altamont; a stepson, Peter M. Beach of Red Hook; two grandchildren, Audrey Davison and Thomas Luke Davison, both of Glenmont; three stepgrandchildren, Katelyn Rose Beach of Red Hook, Lauren Belcher of Pouquag, and Ryan Belcher of Red Hook; a sister, Opel Malone of Meadville, Pa.; and a brother, Kelvin “Bud” (Jean) Davison of Titusville, Pa. In addition to his extended family, he is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Davison was predeceased by his first wife, Geraldine Reeves Avery; his second wife, Jacqueline Garrigan; and two brothers, Everett and Donald Davison.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, from 4 to 6 p.m., with a memorial service to be held at 6 p.m. at Burnett & White Funeral Homes, Red Hook. Members of Montgomery Post 429 in Rhinebeck will conduct services along with the members of the Red Hook/Rhinebeck BPOE, and Rev. John Koppenaal. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made in Francis’s memory to the Red HookRhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE, P.O. Box 337, Red Hook, N.Y. 12571, or the Montgomery Post 429 American Legion, P.O. Box 429, Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook.
For directions or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.