Davisson dies after battle with cancer

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The Salem pharmacist who has represented Indiana House District 73 for nearly a dozen years lost his battle with cancer.

Steve Davisson, who served the residents of Grassy Fork, Carr and Driftwood townships in Jackson County, died Sunday.

“Steve Davisson lived an extraordinary life of love, courage and service,” House Speaker Todd Houston, R-Fishers, said in a prepared statement. “While short in stature, Steve was a giant of a man in service to his family, community and state. He lived his life full of love and optimism, which made him such a blessing to know. Steve will be greatly missed by me and everyone who had the privilege to know him.”

Houston said the 63-year-old Davisson passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Davisson, a Republican, was first elected to serve the constituents of House District 73 in 2010. Besides the three townships in southern Jackson County, the sprawling district also includes all of Washington County and parts of Clark, Harrison, Lawrence and Orange counties.

He served as the vice chairman of the House Committee on Public Health and as a member of both the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

In August, Gov. Eric Holcomb awarded Davisson the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, one of the state’s highest honors, for his outstanding service to the state.

“My good friend Steve Davisson was a good friend to anyone that met him, and for that, we’re all fortunate and mourn his loss,” Holcomb said. “As a man of faith, family and community, Rep. Davisson was a model citizen legislator, daily carrying out the duties that made him an obvious Sagamore of the Wabash.

“His ability to take on tough and complex issues with common sense and that famous smile was a gift from above. Janet and I will keep his wife, children and many grandchildren in our prayers as they find peace for such an unimaginable loss for their family, loved ones and his constituents that were so honored to have him represent them over all these years in our Statehouse.”

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said she and Davisson already shared a connection to Salem by the time they were colleagues in the Indiana House of Representatives.

“My uncle, Donald Crouch was a family dentist in Salem, and his patients would go to Rep. Davisson to fill their prescriptions. I always enjoyed catching up with Steve and talking about our families,” she said. “I will remember him for his positive attitude. No one would have ever known he was sick because of his upbeat spirit, which was his outlook throughout his life.”

Before starting his career as a pharmacist in Salem, Davisson earned two degrees from Purdue University. He held an Indiana Board of Pharmacy license since 1981. Davisson grew up in Scott County and graduated from Scottsburg Senior High School in 1976.

Davisson and his wife, Michelle, have resided in Salem since 1983. They have five adult children and several grandchildren.

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