Kenneth Lee Davidson

Kenneth L. Davidson, age 89, of Wilmington and formerly of St. Georges, Delaware, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Born and raised in St. Georges, Kenneth Lee graduated from Delaware City High School in 1954. He proudly served in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1954 to 1958.

During his military service, he held the government's highest level of security clearance and was assigned to the cryptology section.

On May 1, 1959, Kenny began a twenty-year career with the Delaware State Police. Over the course of his service, he was assigned to Major Crimes, K-9, RECOM, and Special Investigations. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant in 1979 after a distinguished career dedicated to public service.

In his spare time, Kenny could often be found casting a fishing line in waterways throughout Delaware, from Lewes to St. Georges. He was always happy to bring along his nephew Johnny or the children of friends, sharing his love of fishing and patiently teaching them the finer points of baiting a line; often singing, "Heave ho and up she rises." When he wasn't on the water, Kenny enjoyed expanding his collection of antique fishing reels and reading from his extensive library. A lifelong history enthusiast, he rarely went long without a good book close at hand.

Kenny was a member of the Strategic Air Command Society, the American Legion, the Old Reel Collectors Association, and the Delaware State Police Retired Association.

In recent years, Kenny greatly enjoyed the companionship of J. Sapp and Lt. Edward Larney of the Delaware State Police, along with Tony Alerias Sr. (Retired California Highway Patrol) and Sgt. Ryan McKittrick (Texas Highway Patrol). He affectionately referred to them as the "Fab Four," and their friendship was a bright source of comfort and support as his health gradually declined.

The family extends special thanks to Peggy Thompson, Compassionate Care Hospice, and to his devoted caregiver, Kelly Glynn, for their kindness and dedicated care.

Kenny was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Robert Davidson; his sisters, Denise Millay and Shirley Costango; and his nephew, Kelly Costango. He is survived by his nephew, John Swan (Susan), and his great-niece Megan, her daughters Phoebe and Scarlett, and her fiance, Dylan Powell.

A graveside service will be held at the St. Georges Cemetery, 4320 Kirkwood – St. Georges Road, St. Georges, Delaware on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:00AM. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at The Marshallton Restaurant, 3517 Old Capital Trail, Wilmington, Delaware, beginning at 12:00PM.

Throughout his life, Kenny quietly supported many charitable causes. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to a charity of their choice.

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