Robert E. Davison, AKA “Art, Pope, Mr. D” died on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria from a worn out, much used heart. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bob was born May 25, 1942 in Phoenix, AZ the son of Forrest E. and Beatrice M. (Shea) Davison. Bob graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Helen Swanson on April 27, 1963 at St. Patrick’s Church in Galesburg. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Helen; two sons, Patrick E. Davison of Galesburg and Michael R. Davison of Knoxville; one daughter, Julie (Jami) Isaacson of Galesburg; and one sister, Janet Eagle of Galesburg. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he adored, Josh (Michelle) Fields, Hillary (Anthony Richardson) Davison, Nathan (Brittney Walker) Davison, Alexandra Davison, Joseph Davison, Sammie Jo Davison, Jillian (Tyler) Brackett, and Peyton Isaacson; as well as six great grandchildren with one on the way and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Forrest and his mother and step-father, Beatrice and Phil Samuelson.
After graduating high school, Bob worked for the Register Mail from 1960 to 1965. He went to work for IDOT from 1965 to 1969, at that time he was the youngest I-74 section foreman in the state. Bob then went to work for the City of Galesburg in the Park Department. He began his career on the part time mowing crew and worked his way up to Park Superintendent retiring with 31 years of service in 2000.
Bob was strong in his Catholic faith, serving as an altar boy in his younger years, and later serving as an usher at 7:00 a.m. mass. He loved Notre Dame Football and he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He was a previous member of the Knights of Columbus and current member of the Elks Lodge, Press Club, and the Oak Run Tuesday Golf League. Bob absolutely loved spending time at Oak Run golfing, boating, and fishing. Bob had a unique passion for life and was never one to sit around for very long. In his youth, he spent his summers on the farm in Little York causing all sorts of mischief. These were obviously formidable years, because the mischief quality stayed with him throughout his life. Bob was proud of his family. He was a big supporter of his grandchildren’s activities. In his later years, he loved traveling around the United States watching his grandchildren in their sporting events. He was well known by all of the teammates and families for his generosity and loving support. Bob was a great story teller and had the luck of the Irish. He was a frequent winner of 50/50 drawings, lotto, and raffles. For the past 35 years, Bob has organized a Christmas Drive at the Press Club for needy children. His old red truck was always a friendly sight to see. Bob leaves behind many people who called him a friend and mentor.
The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with visitation following from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Monday, July 8, 2019 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Rev. William T. Miller officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg with a luncheon to follow at the McAteer Center. An Irish wake will begin at 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Elks Scholarship Fund or Costa Catholic Academy. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
