John Michael “Mike” Davidson, 84, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:09 PM on April 6, 2023, in Creve Coeur, Missouri, surrounded by family.
Mike was born on May 10, 1938, in Centralia, IL, to the late Samuel and Frances (Moroney) Davidson. He was the eldest of five brothers and grew up around greater St. Louis and Tyler, Texas, before moving to Mount Vernon, Illinois where he was adopted by the late John and Louise (Whitlock) Davidson. It was there that Mike developed his lifelong love of animals while working with harness racing horses, and American-made cars, particularly Corvettes while working at Davidson Chevrolet.
Mike graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1956, where he was an all-state honorable mention football player. After graduation, he attended Florida Southern College before enlisting with the US Army. He served as a medic at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., and in Korea. Upon discharge he attended Murray State College where he was a member of Sigma Chi, graduating in 1964.
In 1965, Mike married Mary Ann (Black) Davidson in Salem, Illinois. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage.
Mike was a high school teacher and football coach in Paxton, Illinois, for a few years before returning to Mount Vernon to pursue a career in real estate. He co-managed Cross-Davidson Real Estate with his longtime business partner, John Cross. Mike was also active in numerous organizations, including Jefferson County Shrine Club, Royal Order of Jesters, Mount Vernon Jaycees, Mount Vernon Rotary West, Mount Vernon Elks, and Friends of the NRA. He served as president of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Egyptian Board of Realtors, and the Graduate Realtors Institute of Illinois. He also served on the Rend Lake Conservancy District Board, Old National Bank Board, and the Mount Vernon Class of 56 Reunion Committee. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon for nearly 70 years.Mike was a people person who enjoyed golfing, boating, and vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks and Florida. He adored his miniature schnauzers Cassy and George “W”, and you could often find him enjoying a good cheeseburger, popcorn, chocolate ice cream, vodka-tonic, or beer. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend with an infectious smile.
In addition to his beloved wife, Mike is survived by his daughters, Amy Cook and husband, Robert of Versailles, Kentucky, Susan Mullins and husband, Bert of Lexington, Kentucky; son Matt Davidson and wife, Lori of Chesterfield, Missouri; grandchildren Ryan Cook, Eva Mullins, Eliza Davidson, and Delia Davidson; brothers Jim Davidson and wife, Loretta of Belleville, Illinois and Tony Davidson and wife, Gail of Broadview Heights, Ohio; sisters-in-law Pam Davidson of Kansas City, Missouri, Doris Frala of Florissant, Missouri and Janet Hopkins and husband, Tom of Salem, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his natural parents, adoptive parents, and his brothers, Samuel Davidson and David Davidson.
Mike will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the many contributions he made to the world around him.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Reverend Victor Long officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Mike’s honor to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or Mount Vernon Elk’s Lodge #819 for Veteran’s Programs, and will be accepted at the funeral home. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
