Ralph Davidson Jr.

Ralph C. Sonny "Bones" Davidson Jr., 67, of Scott City died Sunday, April 23, 2006, at his home, surrounded by family.

Sonny was born Feb. 24, 1939, in Jonesboro, Ark., son of Ralph Charles and Raye Marie Ryan Davidson. He and Judy Crites were married Oct. 11, 1958, with whom he continued to have a loyal relationship until his death. He then married his loving wife, Donna Miederhoff, Dec. 25, 1992.

Sonny was a fourth-generation railroader with Cotton Belt Railroad 38 years. He proudly served as local chairman for the conductors with the United Transportation Union 17 years, earning the distinction of local chairman emeritus Jan. 18, 1995.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Cindy Jo (Rick) Brashear of Jackson; Mary Beth (Brendan) Straubel of Frankfort, Mich., Laurie Ann Felker of Columbia, Mo.; a stepson, Brent Miederhoff of Advance, Mo.; six grandchildren, C. Allen (Becky) Collier, J.P. and Seth Harrell of Jackson, Ashley Felker of Columbia, Rory and Lucy Straubel of Frankfort; three stepgrandchildren, Brandi Brashear of Cape Girardeau, Sara (Kenny) Reeves of Melbourne, Fla., Eric Brashear of Jackson; two great-grandchildren, Alivia Mae and Ty Andrew Collier of Scott City; an older brother and sister, Jim Davidson of Jonesboro and Jane Hart of Scott City; two uncles, Evans and Bill Ryan of Chaffee, Mo.; nieces, nephews, and many loving and loyal friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Rachelle Davidson, and his parents.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City, with the Rev. Bob McMillan of Maynard, Ark., officiating. Interment was in St. Joseph Cemetery in Scott City.