John Emerson Davidson

John Emerson Davidson, age 96, of Hacker Valley, and formerly of Boggess Street, Buckhannon, died Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at his home. He was born on November 13, 1929, at Kanawha Head, WV, a son of the late John Ira and Myrtle Maud Belle Davidson.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Muriel Jean Myers Davidson; one son, John Davidson; seven sisters: Macil, Ruby, Ruth, Mabel, Katherine, Josephine, and Besse Lou; one brother, Basil Davidson; two stepdaughters: Shirley Arbogast and Charlotte Lynch; and one stepson, Larry “Grizz” Arbogast.

On April 12, 1999, he was united in marriage to Jo Bickel Arbogast Davidson, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Jacqueline and husband Greg Richard of Estero, FL; two sons: Jerald Davidson and wife Debie and James Davidson and wife Diane, both of Canton, OH; a stepdaughter, Joyce and husband Steve Jordan of Webster Springs; a stepson, Sonny Arbogast and fiancée Louise of Hacker Valley; twelve grandchildren: John Fether, Scott Fether, Dillon Cradline, Jennifer Fether Beatty, Brooke Davidson, Warren Davidson, Nikki Arbogast, Blaise Arbogast, Pooh Hamrick, Ashley Hamrick, Stevie Jordan, and Karen Jordan; and six great-grandchildren: Madoc, Wyatt, Brady, Tafft, and Piper Fether, and Dana Lee Carson and husband Seth.

Mr. Davidson was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a Methodist by faith.

The family will receive friends at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 2–3:00 PM, at which time a funeral will begin with Pastor Chad Lewis officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will provide military honors at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Rock Cave Cemetery.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.