Richard B. Davidage

Richard Bruce Davidage, 93, of Havana, passed away at 3:54am on July 17th, at Arcadia Care Havana. He was born July 9, 1932, at home in Athens, Illinois, to Richard A. and Mercedes J. (Knox) Davidage. He attended grade school in Athens until the family moved to Springfield in 1942, when he then attended Harvard Park Elementary and graduated from Feitshans High School in 1950.
On November 29, 1953, he married Evelyn Mae Rollet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. From that union of 59 years, they had three children: Rick (Tami) Davidage of Havana, Cheryl (Dr. Bob) Stinauer of Havana, and Lori (Dean) Sisson of Kilbourne. Also surviving are two brothers, Loren (Florence) Davidage of Springfield, and Tom (Claudia) Davidage of Worden, six Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, one Great-Great Granddaughter (another on the way), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
He enlisted in the Air National Guard from 1951-1957, serving two tours as a P-51 armament specialist, and during which time he was activated for two years. He worked as a heavy machinery operator and test technician for Allis-Chalmers and Fiat-Allis for 35 years in Springfield and then notably, he helped open and close the proving grounds north of Bluff City, IL. Following his first retirement, he worked as a custodian at Havana Elementary and Havana Junior High School until he finally retired in 1997.
In retirement, he was an avid long-distance runner, completing two full marathons and competing in numerous races, including the first 15 Havana Polka Pace races with a personal best of 19:22 in that 5Km race at the age of 60. He and Evelyn loved to polka dance and were active in the "POLK of A" for many years.
Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Private graveside services will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens, IL at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Havana Park District. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.