Elton N. Davidson

Elton N. Davidson, age 71, of Ortley, SD, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the North Dakota Veteran's Home in Lisbon, ND.  Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown with visitation starting one hour prior.  Pastor Brian Davidson will officiate.  

Burial will be at Ortley Cemetery.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans Chapter 1054 and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.  Active urnbearers will be Arden Davidson, Brian Davidson, Bruce Davidson, Jan Davidson, and Debra Schaefer.

Elton Neil Davidson was born on October 28, 1953, to Lester and Phyllis (Monserud) Davidson in Webster, SD.  He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortley, SD.  Elton attended elementary school in Ortley and then high school in Waubay, graduating in 1971.  Elton followed three older brothers by joining the United States Navy.  He served primarily in the Pacific as a storekeeper, spending over three years at sea.  After his discharge, Elton returned to South Dakota and begun working the SD Department of Game Fish and Parks.  He also worked for a company installing underground cable for several years. 

Elton was a member of the Brady Monson Legion Post #129 where he served on the honor guard for Memorial Day services and a number of veteran’s funerals.  Elton served for many years as the mayor of Ortley as well at the Ortley Cemetery Sexton.  After retiring, Elton lived in Ortley until entering the North Dakota Veteran’s Home in Lisbon, ND, last year. 

Elton is survived by his brothers, Arden, of Lisbon, ND, Brian, of Ashby, MN, Bruce (Mary), of Fargo, ND, and Jan (Christine) of Springfield, MN; and his sister Debra (Matthew) Schaefer, of Leola, SD. along with several nieces, nephews and relatives.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Phyllis Davidson, and his brothers, Loren and Alan Davidson.

Memorials may be sent to the North Dakota Veteran’s Home is in Lisbon or the Ortley Cemetery Fund. 

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.

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