Leroy "Arnold" Davison, age 88, Braddyville, passed away Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, in the home of his son, Eddie Davison, at Shell Knob, Mo.

He was born January 1, 1924, on the family farm east of Braddyville, to Homer Arnold and Maggie Dunn Davison. Arnold was a New Year's baby before New Year's babies were celebrated he was always quick to add.

On October 24, 1948, he was united in marriage to Leona Scroggs having met at the Lenox skating rink. They recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Leona currently lives in Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Villisca where she has resided since 2004. To this marriage four children were born, Eddie Arnold Davison and his wife, Becky of Shell Knob, Mo., Debra Ann Henneman and her husband, Brian of Shell Knob, Mo., John Rodney Davison and his partner Ron Hansen of Bellevue, Neb., and Susan Deann Meyerle and her husband, Jerry of Lincoln, Neb. Arnold was blessed with four surviving grandchildren, Joshua Arnold Davison, Jacob Wesley Davison, Anastasia Marie Meyerle, and Andrew Charles Meyerle; four great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Lexi, Paige, and Mackenzie. Also surviving are two brothers, James "Irvin" Davison and his wife, Virginia and Gary Lee Davison and his wife, Phyllis all of Braddyville, and one sister, Edna Ruth Thompson of Hopkins, Mo.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one grandson, Jeremiah Davison and one brother, Kenneth Davison.

Arnold served in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego. He worked in the engine room on three ships, the USS Hamilton, the USS Nuthatch and the USS Pheasant. He took a train home following an honorable discharge in 1946, from the service and returned to farming.

Arnold devoted his life to helping others through his carpentry and roofing work as well as his community involvement. He was confirmed and baptized in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as church elder and deacon. He was involved with Rotary, Nodaway Valley Historical Museum, South Page School Board, Braddyville Christian Church Board of Directors, Farm Bureau, the United States Selective Service Board, and others. Many benefited from Arnold's expertise with tools and woodworking. He and Leona showcased their talents at many Craft Carnivals.

One of Arnold's favorite pastimes was driving his 1913 Titan in area parades. He received over thirty trophies and numerous ribbons as a result. He always looked forward to seeing friends and family along the parade routes. Another of his hobbies was playing the banjo. It was not uncommon for Arnold to strike up a song for friends and family. Arnold also had a great sense of humor and loved the Peanuts characters. He was always quick with a one-liner to lighten the mood and to keep you on your toes.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, in Braddyville Christian Church, Braddyville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Shell Knob, Mo. Gordon Green conducted the services. Burial followed in Shear Cemetery, Braddyville.

The family received friends Wednesday evening, Nov. 7 in the Braddyville Christian Church.

Contributions may be made to Braddyville Christian Church or Nodaway Valley Historical Museum in memory of Arnold.
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