Mr. Elmer Lee Davidson

Elmer Davidson, age 99, a lifelong resident of Grand Prairie, Texas and former Publisher of the Grand Prairie Daily News, a subsidiary of the Dallas Morning News, A. H. Belo Corporation, passed away Thursday June 9, 2022. Elmer was born February 4, 1923, to G. Edgar and Minnie Bass Davidson in Apalachicola, Florida. He was preceded in death by his six siblings and his beloved son, Elmer (Dave) Davidson, Jr. Survivors: wife of 80 years Frankie Robinett Davidson, daughter Susan Davidson Bee, son-in law Russ Bee, grandson, Todd Davidson, and his children, great grandchildren Dr. Savannah Davidson, Colton, and Connor Davidson. Elmer served in the US Army in WWII from 1940-1945 in the 940th Field Artillery Battalion in combat in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. He participated in many historic battles such as the liberation of Monte Cassino, Rome, and the defeat of the German Third Reich at Mannheim, Heidelberg, Nuremburg and the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre Silver Star, 5 US stars plus American Defense ribbons. When WWII ended, he returned to the DFW Area and joined the Grand Prairie News Texan as an apprentice. He advanced through the newspaper ranks from pressman to business manager. Then, in 1965, the Belo Corporation purchased the News-Texan and in 1970 named Elmer publisher of the daily newspaper. Elmer was an active civic leader and advocate for Grand Prairie with memberships in various clubs, including Grand Prairie Host Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Rock Creek BBQ Club, and Wrangler Club to name a few. He was a resolute public servant, a well-known friend to many first responders, politicians, judges, and governors. He received multiple civic awards including Citizen of the Year from the City of Grand Prairie. After 43 years, Elmer, age 65 retired. He and his wife Frankie enjoyed 25 years of fishing at their lake house at Possum Kingdom Lake with their family and friends plus gambling trips to Las Vegas. Visitation will be Monday June 20 from 6-8 pm at the Guerrero Dean Funeral Home, 500 E Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX, 75050. Graveside Service with military honors: 10 am on June 21, 2022, followed by a 12 pm Memorial Service and Bar-B-Q meal at the Veteran's Park Event Center, 925 Conover, Grand Prairie, 75051. All events may be observed via Facebook Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/GuerreroDeanFuneralHome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer's Association. The Davidson/Bee Families wish to express their gratitude to Congressman Pat Fallon and Erik Simien, Constituent Representative, for procuring Mr. Davidson's military records and deep appreciation to the caregivers and nurses at The Plaza Edgemere for the excellent care, patience and kindness that they provided Elmer Davidson for 3 years.

Mr. Elmer Lee Davidson

February 4, 1923 - June 9, 2022