A long-time state senator and Sangamon County Board member has passed away. John Davidson, also known to friends as "Doc", passed away Tuesday night at the age of 87.
Republican State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) interned with Davidson right out of college in the late 70's, and said Davidson helped shape his political career.
"It was an education walking around with Doc Davidson. He knew everyone, Democrat, Independent, Republican, he had a number of friends in the African American Community."
Republican Illinois State Senator Larry Bomke (R-Springfield) says he's known "Doc" forty years. He remembers Doc once used chiropractic to cure a horrible headache that plagued Bomke. Wednesday Bomke said, "Doc is going to be very much missed here in Sangamon County. He's been part of our Sangamon County structure for over seventy years - a member of the Sangamon County Board, board chairman, and then a state senator for twenty years."
Davidson served as a State Senator from 1973 to 1993, and before that, served as a long-time member and then chairman of the Sangamon County Board for twenty years.
Davidson's daughter, Jane Davidson Seibert, says even though her father was a doctor and a politician, at home - he was an attentive and loving husband and father. "He was amazing; he was always positive. He told us no matter what we wanted to do - we could do it. He believed in us. Above all, as important as the other work he did..he loved my mother best, and then he loved the rest of us."
Davidson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley B. Davidson. Three children: Anne E. Davidson of Springfield, Jane Davidson Seibert (Dan) of Shelbyville, and John I. Davidson (Pamela) from Greenview. There are six grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. One son, John H. Davidson died in infancy.
Visitation will be held Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield. Services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church on Koke Mill Rd. Davidson will be buried at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg.
updated posting 8/22/12 4 p.m.