Community to Line State Street with Flags in Honor of Lemont Marine

On Saturday, May 24, a Lemont family will lay to rest their 30-year-old son, who died in a traffic accident just hours before his graduation from the University of Illinois. 

Community members have planned a touching tribute to Paul Davidson III, who was killed May 16 when his motorcycle was struck by a car in Urbana. 

All are invited to line State Street between Markiewicz Funeral Home and Archer Avenue, with flags and signs of encouragement Saturday, May 24, for a final salute as Davidson is carried to his resting place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. The intent is to form a human flag line stretching along State Street as far as it can reach. 

Supporters should gather outside the funeral home by 8 a.m. The procession will leave at 8:30 a.m. traveling to Main Street, then south on Lemont Road to Archer Avenue, turning west on Archer into Lockport, then left on Division and right on Briggs Street to Laraway Road. From there, it will head west to Route 53, south to Hoff. Any bikers who would like to ride in the processional should meet at the funeral home between 7:45 and 8 a.m. Any questions should be directed to Mistie Pounders, at 708-528-2815. 

Known as a "big guy with a big personality and an even bigger heart." Davidson touched many lives. Fellow graduates paid tribute to Davidson with a moment of silence at the time he was to receive his diploma. 

“As a military veteran, Paul had a maturity and dedication that few students have,” said David Chasco, professor of architecture and director of the school.. “This is an unbelievably sad tragedy ... Paul will be dearly missed.”

Professor and Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts Edward Feser added, “We are stronger because we knew him, and we won’t forget him.”

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