CLAFLIN — Dale A. Davidson, 81, a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and decorated United States Air Force Colonel (Ret.), passed away on Nov. 15, 2025, at Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon, Ill. He was born on Oct. 25, 1944, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Charles and LaVerne (Kraft) Davidson.

A proud graduate of Claflin High School in central Kansas, Dale went on to attend Fort Hays State University, where he studied geology. Though he once imagined a life on the Kansas farm, his path changed when he answered the call to serve his country. In 1967, he was commissioned through Officer Training School, and after completing pilot training in 1968, he began what would become a distinguished 25-year career in the United States Air Force.

On July 30, 1967, Dale married

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