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6/8/2026
Union Pacific Railroad on June 5 announced that former CEO and Chair Richard "Dick" Davidson has died. He was 84.
Davidson lived in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Trish, and was a father and grandfather. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
"Davidson dedicated his life to railroading, working his way up from brakeman to CEO," said UP CEO Jim Vena in a company statement. "He loved this industry, believed in railroaders and set a standard for leadership that still guides Union Pacific today. We mourn his loss and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Davidson was born on Jan. 9, 1942, in Allen, Kansas. He was raised on a family farm by his mother after his father's death when Davidson was six years old. He began his lifelong rail-industry career as a part-time brakeman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad to help pay for college.
Upon graduating from Washburn University, Davidson accepted a position with the railroad's management training program and rose through the organization, becoming vice president of operations in 1976. When UP merged with Missouri Pacific in 1982, Davidson became vice president of operations for the combined railroad. He served in several leadership roles before being named president and CEO of UP in 1991; in 1997 he was named chair and CEO of UP's board, a role he held until his retirement in 2007.
During his tenure with UP, Davidson oversaw the acquisitions of Chicago & North Western Railway and Southern Pacific Railroad, which nearly doubled the railroad's size, UP officials said.
Davidson has been inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and the Kansas and Nebraska Business Halls of Fame. He was also honored as Kansan of the Year in 2012 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
Beyond his roles with UP, Davidson was chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, a director at Creighton University, chair of former President George W. Bush's National Infrastructure Advisory Board, and a board member for Kroger Co., the Boy Scouts of America and the Capitol Visitors Center.