SHAWNEE, Okla. — Shawnee resident Claude Arnold Davidson Jr., 83, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at his residence.

He was born on April 9, 1925, in Grandfield, Oklahoma to Claude Arnold Davidson Sr. and Annie Katrina Minor.

He attended Headrick High School in Headrick, Oklahoma and earned his B.A from the University of Oklahoma, and Masters from the University of New Mexico.

On March 27, 1948, he married Sammie Lou Lasley.

He was in the U. S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946.

He worked as a High School Teacher and Principal in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a member of various education organizations, joined First Baptist Church in Headrick, Oklahoma in 1936 and presently member of First Baptist Church of Shawnee.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, one brother, Daniel Davidson; three sisters, Virginia Taylor, Adella Harris and Wanda Kozel.

Survivors include his wife, Sammie L. Davidson of the home; daughter, Pamela Jane Davidson-Elhers; two sons, Dennis M. Davidson and Paul A. Davidson; six granddaughters, Sara L. Davidson, Laura A. Davidson, Heather L. Davidson, Charis Davidson, Cassia Davidson, and Nicole Davidson; one grandson, Rannon Davidson, one great-granddaughter, Aubrey Alexis Davidson-Gibson; three brothers, Albert Davidson, Fred Davidson and Minor Davidson.

Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Chapel of Walker Funeral Service with Dr. Dennis M. Davidson officiating.

Burial will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.