Carl Melvin Davidson Jr.

About

Hamline University Nebraska Wesleyan University Stephens College University of Iowa University of Nebraska

Carl Davidson Obituary

DAVIDSON, Carl Melvin, Jr. Was born December 13, 1927 in Meridian, Idaho and died in Los Angeles, California on October 16, 2007. His life was dedicated to teaching his students the power and relevance of the arts. He graduated from Hamline University (1948) and received advanced degrees from the University of Nebraska (1956) and the University of Iowa (1962). Mel taught in Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. He began his college teaching career in the theater department at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska and continued teaching theater and the humanities while becoming Division Chair of the Fine Arts at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. In 1974, he was named as Dean of Fine and Communication Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he continued until retiring in 1988. He collaborated in writing Quietude and Quest with actor/director Leon Askin who was best known for his role as General Burkhalter in the TV series "Hogan's Heroes." He is survived by his wife, Marian F. Davidson, of Los Angeles; and his three sons, Carl (Milissa) and Eric (Gloria) of Los Angeles, and Randall (Merilee) of Minneapolis, MN; his brother, Paul (Janet) of Colorado Springs, CO; and sister, Ellen Barrett, of Denver, CO; and by five grandchildren. Contributions should be made in lieu of flowers to the Theatre Arts Gift Fund at the University of Iowa Foundation, Levitt Center for University Advancement, PO Box 4550, Iowa City IA 52244-4550, telephone 319-335-3305.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Davidson

8 Entries

Martin Davidson

November 19, 2007

Uncle Melvin was a teacher. There could be no better man for this profession. He was always on, displaying his charm, his wit, and his humor. I will never forget his many stories of the yester- years. His life was well lived and his legacy will live on through his family and the hundreds, if not thousands, of students he taught. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the life celebration in November. I will be thinking of you all, and especially Mel, during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Love, Martin Davidson and Family

Betsy Carothers

November 19, 2007

A compassionate, thoughtful and well-balanced man who could truly communicate with and affect a wide variety of college students. My gratitude to Meg McSweeney for putting me in touch with Mel several years ago, resulting in a lovely correspondence with a real gentleman. God bless you, Mel, I will always remember your kindness. My love and sympathy to Eric and all the Davidson family.

Paul Davidson

November 12, 2007

Brother Melvin will be sorely missed by me. As with so many others he was my teacher. First in 7th grade English in Great Falls, Montana, and later in a Speech class at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He also taught at the same school while I was in the 8th grade in Pueblo, Colorado. I began to wonder if he would ever stop following me during my education! I was sure I had ended such affairs when I attended Medical School at the University of Chicago. Although Melvin did not "teach" me there we both ended up at the University of Iowa, he receiving a PhD and I some years later completed my Internship, Internal Medicine Residency, and Infectious Disease Fellowship. We also lived in the Los Angeles area for 18 years before retirement and shared many grand times with Melvin, Marian and their extended family. I will never forget you, Melvin. You are one of my life's heros. You had a great influence on that timid little toe-headed brother 9 years your junior. I look forward to celebrating your life with Marian and the family during Thanksgiving. May God bless us all during this time of sorrow. My love, Paul.

Joe And Lucille Medalis

November 7, 2007

Mel,when we were in your company you made us laugh constantly with your wonderful theatre stories and comments on life in general. Mel was witty, charming, and so knowledgeable on so many subjects. Mel was a good person, husband and father who bore his physical problems with great spirit and grace. Mel, God is going to love your company as we all did----you will be missed.
Joe and Lucille Medalis

James Fenelon

November 7, 2007

Mentor, Teacher, Professor, Friend - Mel Davidson was an inspiration to me for so many years, and patient for too many. His dedication to his students was full and complete, and I will always remember his piano soliloquies on stage as a final marker to a life well-lived.

Dawn and Emmett Jacobs

November 6, 2007

Brilliant, talented, creative, fun. A wonderful guy and good friend. He will be missed.

joy barrett

October 23, 2007

A great man and a wonderful teacher. You taught me to be an individual and to follow my dreams. Thanks for the many tours of LA, I will never forget them or you. RIP, Uncle Mel.....

Ellen Barrett

October 23, 2007

I will miss my big brother and all his wonderful crazy family stories. Mel was the oldest and I am the baby and I enjoyed having him spoil me! He always brightened up my days. He was a great teacher and many in our family had the opportunity to have Mel as our teacher. I had him for two college classes at NWU and although I may be a little biased, he was my best and favorite professor. My thoughts and prayers are with my sister Marian and with all of Mel and Marian's children and grandchildren. What a wonderful life we will be celebrating together in November.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results