M. LeRoy Davidson

On September 21, 2019, M. LeRoy “Rufus” Davidson, 80, fell asleep for the last time at home while surrounded by his family and friends.  LeRoy was born June 30, 1939 to Melvin and Opal Davidson in Emmett Idaho. He grew up in the Treasure Valley with 3 brothers – Gary Davidson, Don (Wilma) Davidson and Mike (Kim) Davidson- and 2 sisters – Sharon Glenn and Janice (Lee) Garlock.

LeRoy married Marguerite Wonacott in 1960 and they had 4 sons: Dan (Beth) Davidson, Ed (Betty) Davidson, Ron (Cindy) Davidson, and Jim Davidson.

December 15, 1985 LeRoy married Marilyn Hansen Kemp and added 3 more children into his life that day:  Lynn (Bob) Boone, Lucas Kemp, Beau (Bethany) Kemp. Marilyn had previously been a step-mom to 5 other children and LeRoy brought them into his loving heart also: Vicky Cahoon, Donna Kemp, James (Reyna) Kemp, Brian Kemp, and Shirley Kemp.

In 1991 they moved from Boise to Wendell and made their home here. LeRoy spent over 40 years driving truck in one way or another. Driving a milk tanker was his love, but he eventually downsized to a van and began hauling veterinary supplies for a number of years. After the trucking days were behind him he worked at Spears Manufacturing until he retired in 2010.

Daddy’s heart was always full of love for any and all that came through his door. Everyone was greeted with that special smirk and a joke for the moment in a sing song tone of voice. You couldn’t help but smile or blush or just laugh at whatever he came up with in the moment. He was almost always glad you got to see him and everyone was invited back with “See me”. He loved watching Nascar and football and anytime he could go to a car show he was there! He lived a full, loving and happy life, but he knew it wasn’t quite complete yet.

The end of 2017 a hunger and desire to know God began to overwhelm him. LeRoy and Marilyn began listening to and reading the bible and found themselves drawn to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in truth. LeRoy’s journey began with talking to a man he completely trusted with spiritual questions and was able to understand exactly who God always was, always is, and always will be. On May 20, 2018 (Pentacost as it happened) LeRoy died in surrender to his belief in Yeshua Jesus , his Messiah, and was born again with a new name: Child of God. He was baptized in a flowing stream of living water unto repentance followed by the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit. The last year and half of his life was spent looking forward to Wednesday night bible studies and the daily devotions of hearing God’s living word every morning when he woke up – whether it was a pastor on the radio, the bible on disc or a YouTube sermon he was sent, he delighted in knowing his Lord and Savior personally. The last words I heard Daddy say was “Well come on, let’s go. I’m ready”

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Opal; as well as infant twin brothers, Marvin and Marion. He is survived by his wife, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 12 children, 34 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and other various family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday Oct. 5, 2019 at the Wendell High School Auditorium located at 850 E. Main Street, Wendell, Id. at 2:00 pm. A luncheon will follow in the school cafeteria. Cards or flowers may be sent to Marilyn Davidson 543 E. Ave B Wendell, ID. 83355.