Vernon Arthur Davidson

Vernon Arthur Davidson, 78, of Kennett, passed from this life Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at his home.

Born in Kennett, he was the son of the late Vessie Herbert and Drusilla Sanders Davidson and had been a lifelong southeast Missouri resident. Mr. Davidson served his country in the Army National Guard and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was a retired grocery store manager, having managed the Walsh's Big Star and Gowan's Food Store in Poplar Bluff and Kennett. He was a longtime member of the Christ Gospel Church in Kennett, where he served as a past board member and church secretary/treasurer.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by three brothers, one grandson and two sons-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Francis Marlin Davidson of the home;

Five sons, Terry Davidson and his wife Gayla of Anna, Illinois, Keith Davidson and his wife Tina of Jonesboro, Mark Wheeler and his wife Vanessa of Osceola, Tim Davidson and his wife Karen of Poplar Bluff and Vernon Davidson Jr. and his wife Mary of Jackson, Missouri;

One daughter, Rebecca Waln of Rome, Georgia;

One brother, the Rev. Paul Davidson of Houston, Texas;

One sister, Nelda Mitchell and her husband Jerry of Jackson, Missouri; and

Ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held a 2 p.m. Monday at the Christ Gospel Church in Kennett with the Rev. Bobby Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until service time Monday.

The family prefers any memorials be made to the Christ Gospel Church or the VNA Hospice in Kennett.

A guest register is at www.howardfuneralservice.com.