Harold “Hal” Davidson, 85, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. Hal was born in Flagstaff, AZ on October 16, 1940 to Marjorie Jean and Harold A. Davidson. His love and respect of the American Southwest remained throughout his life, after growing up near the Grand Canyon. Hal was a drill sergeant in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey County, CA. Hal received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Drury University and his Master of Science degree in Counseling from Southwest Missouri State University. After working as the Director of the Return to Work Rehabilitation Center at Cox Hospital, Hal transitioned to private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a career that spanned for more than 40 years. His career was a true calling for him; he loved working with his clients and remained in practice until he was 80 years old.

While his career was a huge focus for him, Hal had a very full personal life. He loved to travel, especially to the Southwest United States, the mountains, Europe and annual beach trips with his family. He even hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim at age 74. He had a voracious appetite for learning and reading and loved intellectual conversation. He loved and valued nature, animals, particularly dogs and birds, painting and writing.

Above all else, Hal loved and cherished his family and close relationships. If you had the chance to know Hal, you were a lucky soul. Hal had a tremendous intellect, wit, humor and sense of adventure that was a joy to all that knew him and will be forever missed. He was also the best father and husband any girl could ask for.

Hal is survived by his adoring wife of 51 years, Diane, his daughter Bethany Black (Phillip), grandchildren Alex and Sadie Althoff, brother Ralph Davidson and many other loving family and friends. Hal was always extremely grateful for and proud of his family and the life he created and possessed a positive outlook on life that he shared with others. It is impossible to convey the number of lives he touched, love, knowledge and humor he shared and adventures he had for 85 incredible years in several paragraphs. Please know that he leaves behind a legacy of love, knowledge, humor, work ethic and care for others that cannot be matched and will continue on in all the people that love and adore him.

Please join us to celebrate Hal’s incredible life on Thursday, April 23rd from 6 - 8 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, MO, 65804. Donations in Hal’s honor can be made to the American Indian Center of Springfield, 1126 N. Broadway Avenue, 65803 or to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 N. Norton Road, Springfield, MO, 65803.