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David Davidson Obituary

Davidson, David Robert David Robert Davidson, loving husband, father and Pappa, was born September 25, 1948, in Middletown, Ohio, and died at home surrounded by his family, on September 5, 2009. He received Bachelor of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music where he also completed course work for the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. He was the Director of Music and Arts at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas since 2003, Director of the Dallas Symphony Chorus since 1994, and adjunct instructor of Choral Conducting and Handbells at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University since 1993. Prior to his time at HPUMC, he was the Director of Music and Worship at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas for 18 years. Before that, he served at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati for 6 years. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judith Anne Davidson, his son Chris and wife Carrie, his daughter Jena and husband Lance Demler, and their sons Cameron and Dylan, mother Florence Davidson, siblings Ralph and Dwight Davidson, Sharon Carpenter and Karen Cook, as well as nieces and nephews. A service of Resurrection will be held at HPUMC at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Music and Arts Ministry at HPUMC, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Sarcoma Research (www.mdanderson.org/gifts), and the David R. Davidson Choral Conducting Scholarship Fund, University of Cincinnati Foundation (www.dschorus.com).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Sep. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Sharon Stromley

November 12, 2020

I was a member of Dallas Symphony Chorus for several years and found Mr. Davidson to be a kind, gracious and incredibly talented gentleman. While in the chorus, both of my parents died, six hours apart. Mr. Davidson took time out of his busy schedule to write an encouraging and loving note, sympathetic, acknowledging grief and yet encouraging me to rise above it and trust in God's perfect plan. I have never forgotten his grace and wisdom- filled kindness. I can only imagine the music he enjoys now. Thank you for being such an encouraging force in my life during an incredibly difficult time and for all the music you brought to Dallas, both with the Symphony Chorus and your beloved church.

Charlene Taylor

September 25, 2009

My family has enjoyed his talent with the Christmas programs for several years. The shows were always wonderful. He was a pleasure to watch. You could tellhe loved what he did. His smile said it all. Even last year when he was sick, he had a huge smile during the show. David will be greatly missed by his family and all of us that enjoyed his love of music. Heaven, however, gained a new angel that will fill heaven with his smile and his talent. We were all made a little better by him.

Joy Merder

September 21, 2009

I was stunned to hear of David's passing. I took a couple classes from him in July in Tucson at the national handbell director's seminar. I knew he had been sick a couple years ago but thought he had it licked. He seemed so good in July.
I too lost my husband to this dreaded disease in April. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. He will be greatly missed in the handbell world.

Alex Ramsey

September 13, 2009

I have been out of town and learned today of David's passing during church services where Mark Craig spoke so highly and poignantly of David. Those of us who attend Highland Park United Methodist Church have surely been blessed by David's incredible talent and gifts since he came to our church. He will be sorely missed.... My mother passed away a few months and ago and I know how difficult this time is for all family and friends. My respect and my prayers.

Richard Palmquist

September 10, 2009

David was a giant in the field of church music. I first met him at a Handbell Festival in 1978 @ Central Michigan University. He was "wow" then and continued to be a great inspiration to all of us his entire life. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall have comfort".

Ed and Jill Cook

September 9, 2009

Our prayers go out to David's family and friends.

Pam Billman

September 9, 2009

Sending my condolences.

Thomas Folkert

September 9, 2009

David was the greatest friend anyone could ever have. He and Judi welcomed me like a family member. His influence in my life and in the world will last forever. Give rest, O Christ, to your servant David with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Deborah & Nigel Brown - DSO

September 8, 2009

David touched the lives of all he knew and his zest for life was incomparable. He will remain in our hearts and in our memories forever. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Pamela Amsberry

September 8, 2009

Dallas has lost a gifted musician who raised the bar for choral conducting in this city. David was as warm and enthusiastic in person as he was in his public life. The staff of Park Cities Presbyterian Church extends it's sympathy and prayers to Mr. Davidson's family.

Amy Chandler

September 8, 2009

It was a privilege to work with David at HPPC during my year in Dallas. He was an enormously talented musician, and a kind individual. May his family and friends find peace and comfort in his lasting memory.

Wini Council

September 8, 2009

Our prayers go out to the family and many musician friends of David. He will be sorely missed.

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