Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) announced the death of Richard "Dick" Davidson, the company's former chairman and chief executive officer, at age 84.

Davidson served as president and CEO of Union Pacific Railroad from 1991 and was named chairman and CEO of Union Pacific Corporation in 1997. He began his railroad career as a part-time brakeman for Missouri Pacific Railroad while attending college and rose through the ranks over several decades.

"Dick dedicated his life to railroading, working his way up from brakeman to CEO," said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. "He loved this industry, believed in railroaders and set a standard for leadership that still guides Union Pacific today."

During his tenure, Davidson oversaw Union Pacific's acquisitions of Chicago & North Western Railway and Southern Pacific Railroad. The Southern Pacific merger expanded the railroad's reach in the West and South but created operational challenges that Davidson addressed through capital investments and technology infrastructure modernization.

Born January 9, 1942, in Allen, Kansas, Davidson graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He joined Missouri Pacific's management training program and became vice president of operations in 1976. When Union Pacific merged with Missouri Pacific in 1982, Davidson became vice president of operations for the combined railroad.

Davidson received recognition including induction into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and the Kansas and Nebraska Business Halls of Fame. He served on multiple boards including the Kroger Company and chaired President George W. Bush's National Infrastructure Advisory Board.

Davidson lived in Naples, Florida, with his wife Trish. The company stated a celebration of life will be held at a future date.