A native of Oklahoma, Wes as he was known by friends and family, was born in Lawton where he met the love of his life, Corretta Mae (Swarts) Davidson.
In 1952, he joined the Air Force. He loved to talk about the times he served as a tail-gunner on the B-36 and the B-52 bomber aircraft as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Before his retirement in 1974, Wes served with distinction during two tours in Vietnam and traveled the world with his wife and children.
Upon leaving the Air Force, Wes joined the Oklahoma Department of Corrections serving as a Chief of Security at Jess Dunn Correctional Center.
After his second retirement, Wes spent his later years traveling and building memories with Corretta. He loved spending time with family. Fun-loving, Wes was always quick with a snarky remark or joke, his face often aglow with a mischievous smile.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Corretta, sister Jacqueline (Davidson) Thayer, and brothers Donald and Elden.
Wes is survived by his daughter, Valorie, sons Wesley Jr., James, and Russell, his daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Wes’s life will be held 10:00 A.M Friday at Fentress Mortuary Chapel, 1805 North A Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas, where family will visit with friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M, with a private graveside committal to follow the service. Interment of ashes will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Memorial donations in memory of Wes can be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Children’s Home at www.obhc.org, or by calling (405) 942-3800.
