Gale E. Davidson

MARTINSVILLE -- The Martinsville Fire Protection District is mourning the loss of Fire Chief Gale Edward Davidson, age 51, of Martinsville, Illinois who passed away at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana on Friday, May 29, 2009. Gale was born March 4, 1958 in Anderson, Indiana, the son of Herman A. and Mildred Ruth Brown Davidson. Gale married his loving wife of 25 years, Toni Denney Davidson on May 25, 1984 in Westfield, IL. Survivors include his wife, Toni of Martinsville, IL; children, Heather Davidson of Mattoon, IL; Rachelle Carlen of Hume, IL; Bill (wife Kristi) Carlen of Casey, IL; brother, Herman (wife Robin) Davidson of Martinsville, IL; father and mother in law, Gene and Rubye Denney of Casey IL; sister in law, Dexxey (husband Jack) Livingston of Florida; grandchildren, Dylan Eugene; Jadelyn Marie and Gavin Edward; nephews, Christopher and Ryne Davidson of Martinsville, IL; Joshua (wife Amy) Davidson of Marshall, IL and niece, Stephanie (husband Troy) Collier of Casey, IL; great nieces, Whitney Collier and Courtney Davidson and greatnephew, McCale Davidson. Gale was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James E. (Jed) Davidson. Gale graduated from Martinsville High School in 1976. He joined the Martinsville Fire Protection District in 1978 and was a firefighter until 1995 when he was elected Fire Chief, a position he held until his death. Gale was employed by the Martinsville Community School District. He was involved with many organizations including the Martinsville City Council, Martinsville Fair Board, Martinsville Ambulance Service and the Clark County 911 Board. He had been previously employed and later became owner of Stephens's Bins for 30 years and was a sponsor and coach for baseball little league teams. Firefighter funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Martinsville High School gymnasium, 215 W. Vine St., Martinsville, IL with Rev. Art Orndorff and Rev. Dave Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, June 3, at the Martinsville Bible Church, 509 Ridgelawn Rd., Martinsville, IL from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Firefighter Walk-Through at 7:00 pm. Gale will be sadly missed by his loving family, friends, and many past and present Firefighters. He will be greatly remembered for his many contributions made to the community. Memorial donations and contributions may be made to the Gale E. Davidson Memorial Fund c/o Martinsville First Bank and Trust, 10 E. Cumberland St., Martinsville, IL 62442. Memorial tributes and condolences may be sent the family at www.greenwellfh.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements.