Charles Thomas "Tom" Davison

Charles Thomas "Tom" Davison...

Charles Thomas "Tom" Davison, who peacefully passed away in his home on November 2, 2024, was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Tom was born in Frankfort, IN to Charles F. and Martha Davison. Growing up, Tom was an avid basketball enthusiast and reveled in his time playing with the championship basketball team at Frankfort High School; sharing stories to many he came across. Religiously sticking with Indiana basketball, he cheered on the Indiana University Hoosier basketball team season after season throughout his life. His love of IU Basketball was matched only by his dedication to his Alma Mater Ohio State Buckeyes during football season.

Tom had the heart of a true American patriot and, following high school graduation, entered the United States Navy as a Signalman on the USS Prairie during World War II. Until the day Tom passed, he wore his favorite World War II baseball cap with immense pride and honor to have served his country.  Tom took great honor in his service to his country in the Navy. He was a 82 Year Member of the American Legion Post in Frankfort, Indiana, a well as memberships in the elite Forty & Eight, The Navy League and the US Navy War Memorial Fund to construct the WWII Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.  He generously supported numerous military organizations to benefit veterans and memorialize their sacrifice in our Nation’s Capital. After his military service, Tom began his career in aviation which then led to his work on the space program. He had great passion for his work in both fields, but when asked what was his favorite project he worked on, with great resolve Tom would answer it was his time working on the Apollo-Saturn Space Programs. His career spanned North American/Rockwell, McDonald-Douglas and Boeing.

Tom was an avid reader, some in his family would have classified it as an obsession. Just about any free time Tom came across, he could be found with a book regaling some piece of history in his hands. As he lost his eyesight in his elder years, Tom continued to fulfill his love of history and reading through audio books. As he also transitioned to listening to his beloved IU and OSU sports on Big10 radio weekly with his eyes closed envisioning each play unfolding as the announcer called out the plays.

Tom had a generous soul and will be deeply missed by those that loved him or called him a friend. He had a knack for gently grabbing your hand and quietly sharing a joke with you that seemed rather edgy for a 100-year old man, but the laugh that followed would light up his smile. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Martha Davison; two wives, Glen Davison in 2001 and Mary Jean Davison in 2012; and his granddaughter, Meredith Liedler, and numerous very well-loved pets. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Jones of Huntington Beach, CA and Beverly Liedler (Arnie Komet) of Branson; grandchildren, Courtney Liedler of Littleton, CO and Joshua Liedler of England; great-grandchild, Quinn; and his niece Christina Daniels (Paul Daniels) of Phoenix, AZ.

The family will hold a celebration of Tom’s 100 years of life at a later date.  Cremation was in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.