CLAFLIN — Dale A. Davidson, 81, a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and decorated United States Air Force Colonel (Ret.), passed away on Nov. 15, 2025, at Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon, Ill. He was born on Oct. 25, 1944, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Charles and LaVerne (Kraft) Davidson.
A proud graduate of Claflin High School in central Kansas, Dale went on to attend Fort Hays State University, where he studied geology. Though he once imagined a life on the Kansas farm, his path changed when he answered the call to serve his country. In 1967, he was commissioned through Officer Training School, and after completing pilot training in 1968, he began what would become a distinguished 25-year career in the United States Air Force.
On July 30, 1967, Dale married the love of his life, Mary Ann Kahler, at the United Church of Christ in Holyrood, Kan. Their marriage was a joyful partnership that lasted more than 52 years until Mary Ann’s passing in 2019. Together, they embraced every chapter of life—raising their family, traveling, cycling, and supporting one another through each new adventure.
During his Air Force career, Dale was stationed at Travis AFB in California before serving overseas. From 1971 to 1973, he flew C-130s out of Taiwan and the Republic of Vietnam. After returning home, he and Mary Ann followed the Air Force path to O’Fallon, Ill.; Vacaville, Calif.; Montgomery, Ala.; Bellevue, Neb.; and finally back to O’Fallon, Ill., where Dale retired with the rank of Colonel.
Humble but proud of his service, Dale was recognized as a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours in aircraft including the C-133, C-130, C-141, T-29, C-13, CT-39, and C-21. His commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Combat Readiness Medal.
Following his military retirement, Dale found great fulfillment mentoring young people as a JROTC instructor in Dupo, Ill. He especially enjoyed taking students to Washington, D.C., where he shared his reverence for the Vietnam Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, and the nation’s history.
When he later retired from teaching, Dale continued to live life fully—traveling with Mary Ann, cycling, gardening, watching his grandchildren’s activities, and cheering on his beloved Chiefs, Jayhawks, and Royals. He remained dedicated to staying active, often logging 10,000 steps a day. He trained for and completed a biathlon and, on his 70th birthday, joined Mary Ann on a memorable 70-mile bicycle ride across central Kansas, celebrating at the finish with family and friends.
Fulfilling a long-held dream, Dale and Mary Ann moved back to Kansas in 2017, settling in Derby, where they found a welcoming community and enjoyed their years together until Mary Ann’s illness and passing in 2019. Although life changed profoundly after her loss, Dale continued to find joy with the help of a loving support network. He poured his heart into family and made many cherished memories in his final years. This past year, he returned to the O’Fallon, Ill. area, where he received exceptional care and treasured every visit, outing, and family moment—especially lunch dates with Andrew’s family and friends.
Dale is survived by his sons, Philip Davidson (Trisha) of Bellevue, Neb., and Andrew Davidson (Erin) of Caseyville, Ill.; his grandchildren Drew (Mary), Kyle, Chloe (fiancé Ben Koenig), and Cainan Davidson; and his first great-granddaughter, Jacqueline. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends from his Air Force journeys and bicycling adventures. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; his parents; and his sisters, Lynann Fraker and Sue Woydziak.
A visitation will be held from 8:30–10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Claflin United Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Claflin Cemetery, with Pastor Diane Webster presiding. Dale will be laid to rest beside Mary Ann. A Celebration of Life will also take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon, Ill., where Dale’s favorite treat—ice cream—will be served in his honor.
Memorials may be made to the Davidson Family Foundation, benefiting the Claflin Library, the United Methodist Church, a scholarship fund, and other causes dear to the family, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
PO Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 20, 2025
