Chester “Chet” Davidson

Saratoga native and long-time resident Chester ‘Chet’ Davidson passed away on Dec.10, 2012, in Gillette.

Chet was born on June 30, 1921, in Saratoga to F. Harry Davidson and Alice Kennaday Davidson, homesteaders above Cedar Creek. He joined sisters Amonda, Vita, and Louiza ‘Billye’; and later Eleanora ‘Sis’, Charles ‘Dan’, and Rae were added. The family moved to the Davidson Ranch south of Saratoga in 1928.

After graduating from Platte Valley High School, he attended the University of Wyoming until 1942 when he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He served in the Corp until 1946 when he was honorably discharged, having obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After discharge he returned to college at Ohio State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. He met and married Norma Dadisman Feb. 28, 1946. The couple had two children, Clark and Jeannine.

After graduation, Chet worked as a food and drug inspector for the State of Wyoming, was the business manager for Cheyenne Milk Producer’s Cooperative, worked as a lobbyist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was a plant manager for Gates Egg Producers, and was a production manager for Jolly Rancher Candies.

In 1980, Chet sought semi-retirement, and returned to the family ranch in Saratoga. Chet enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on Snowy Range teaching them to fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors. He was a member of the Catholic Church, was active in the IOOF Lodge in Saratoga, enjoyed bingo and telling stories from his life experiences.

Chet was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma, his son, Clark Davidson and his daughter, Jeannine Davidson-Smith. He is survived by his grandchildren: Patrick (Sasha) Davidson, of Gillette, Robyn (Jim) Maestas, of Arvada, Colo.; Shannon (Bert) Martin, of Arvada; Nathan Davidson, of Gillette; Sam (Mel) Ohnstad, of Douglas; Jacob Ohnstad of Laramie; Aimee Ohnstad of Cheyenne; Luke (Rachel) Ohnstad, of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Kimberly Ohnstad of Los Cruces, N.M.; Jasmine Davidson, of Denver; Joseph Smith, of Denver; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by sisters Eleanora Ackerson, of Laramie, and Rae Redman of Walden..

In accordance with Chet’s wishes, private family services will take place at a future time and date.