Gale Davis

Gale Davis, 86, died peacefully in his sleep on March 9, 2012, leaving memories of his many stories for his devoted children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, coworkers and veterans, he loved and mentored. He was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois on April 21, 1925, to Hazel (Anderson) Corey and James Davis. During the great depression, his grandparents, Clara Ann Page and William Henry Anderson, raised him to learn the value of integrity and hard work at their lumber and construction business. He left high school to serve his nation as a naval corpsman. Attached to the marines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, he fought in the invasion of Iwo Jima. His efforts led to survival of many marines even as he dodged enemy bullets that targeted the red cross on his helmet. When he returned to Mount Vernon, he courted Jean Alice Kuenz, the daughter of a local grocer. They married June 6, 1950, and moved to Indianapolis, where he built, with his own hands, the home in which he lived until his death. He had the assistance of his then elderly grandfather, William Henry Anderson; they used the plans of his brother in law, architect Frank Kuenz of Denver, Colorado. For 40 years, he worked as an electrician at the VA Medical Center where he made friends with coworkers, physicians and veterans. After work, he coached youth sports for his children and the community. He lost his wife to cancer, after 32 years of marriage but she remained the love of his life. He sought support from the Indianapolis Senior Center, where he became an accomplished ballroom dancer. Five weeks after his hip fracture, he danced at the wedding of his grandson, Andrew Britton to Robin Bickel. After his wife's death, he remained close to his wife's family including her siblings, Dwyn Conway, Ruth Jones, and Thad, Frank and David Kuenz. He sacrificed to better the life of his children and he was proud of their accomplishments. His children are Galen Jay (Manufacturing Engineer), Stanley Ray (Signalman for CSX), Dr. Steven Gabe (Infectious Disease Physician), Anita Marie Wright (RN, MSN), Diana Dee Britton (CT/ MRI technician) and William Todd (Teacher /Tennis Pro). His survivors include beloved grandchildren, Andy, Scott, Jason, Roger, Katie, Cassie and Andrea and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Nolan. Also he is survived by a half-brother, Kenneth Corey; half-sister, Barbara �Dee Dee� Roseman(both of Indianapolis) and an uncle, Rolla Anderson(Kalamazoo, Michigan). Visitation will be Thursday, March 15, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd. with funeral services Friday at 10:00 a.m. We know he would like to acknowledge the daily contributions of the many family and supporters who allowed him to live independently. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Indianapolis Senior Center, 708 E. Michigan.

Tributes

Gale Davis

April 21, 1925 - March 9, 2012