Gayle Madsen

Graveside services will be held for Gayle Madsen on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 10 AM at South Park Cemetery. Gayle passed away May 30, 2015 in Raton, New Mexico. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Arlet of Adventure Bible Church.

Gayle was born to Sophus and Bessie Madsen on February 10, 1940 in Roswell, New Mexico. He grew up in Roswell and attended Roswell schools. In his younger years he worked alongside his Dad and brothers hauling hay for local farmers, as well as working at the cotton gin at night.

After leaving home, Gayle worked for Globe Grain in Anthony, N.M. Upon returning to Roswell, he drove a truck for T. J. Frost and worked for his older brother H.T. Madsen Trucking Co. He became self-employed in the antique business restoring and refinishing furniture. While married to Clarice, they shared the love of refinishing antique furniture as well as buying and selling antiques. Until his health deteriorated, Gayle still loved searching for antiques and restoring them. He loved to fish and enjoyed that hobby for many years.
He is predeceased by his parents Bessie & Sophus Madsen, wife Clarice Madsen, two brothers, Tom Madsen, Jim Madsen, and sister Betty Frost. Gayle had relocated to Maxwell, New Mexico with his companion, Judy Taylor, and enjoyed his years there with Judy, her children, and grandchildren. He never lost his love of "junk" as he would say.

Gayle is survived by his brothers Gerald Madsen of Warner, Ok., Carroll (Beth) Madsen of Roswell, N.M., Wayne (Gay) Madsen of Portales, N.M., sisters Shirley Sechrist of Albuquerque, N.M., Martha (Dwayne) Dickerson of Jasper, Texas, Linda (Ken) Goins, Sandra (Gene) Lee, both of Roswell, N.M. He is survived by children Bryan Madsen & Dana Stark, step children Kathy Bird, Danny Hays, Sherri Cleveland, & Rex King, all of Roswell. Also surviving are his companion Judy Taylor, and her children, Carala, Monica, Clint, and Frank, her grandchildren Devon and Isaiah (Joe, as Gayle called him). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Raton Hospital, Raton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Vincent Saint Christus Hospital in Santa Fe for the care given to Gayle. Also, thanks to Judy Taylor and her family for being there for him in his later years.

Gayle will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was such a character; always made you laugh, and was always such fun. Gayle was a good Christian man and would do anything for anyone, never knew a stranger and made good friends wherever he may be. Cremation has taken place, in accordance with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assurance Home or charity of one's choice.
'til we meet again.

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