Carl W. Davidson

Carl W. Davidson, age 93 of Monroe, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Born September 1, 1932 in Tazewell, TN, Carl was the son of the late Lee and Edna (Baker) Davidson. On May 26, 1956, he married Arizella Cosby in Monroe. Together they raised two children. Sadly, she preceded him on February 25, 1995. When his country called him to serve during the Korean War, Carl proudly answered, earning the nick name "Tennessee". He served from April 6, 1953 until being honorably discharged on April 5, 1955. Carl formerly owned and operated Clark Gas Station in Monroe during the 1960’s. He retired from Union Camp Paper Mill/Jefferson Smurfit in March of 1996 when the company closed its doors. He was a Jack-of-all trades. He worked as a carpenter "handy man" for many years and in his youth he held various jobs doing tobacco farming, working in lumber yards, and forestry. Carl was a member of First Baptist Church and a former member of Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church where he served as choir director and custodian, American Legion, and most current Quartet-Sounds of Gospel with whom he performed for over 10 years at senior centers, hosting churches and nursing homes. Over his life span, Carl sang with many friends and families at revivals, funerals and celebrations. Carl believed and was passionate about four things… God, family, music, and gardening. If Carl was not attending one of his grandchildren's sporting/ school events during their school years he could be found working around the church, gardening or sitting in the shade whittling leaving a pile of cedar behind. Up until this last year Carl has always planted 2 gardens (this year he required extra help from grandson Noah) giving away his fruits of labor. He always planted more than we knew what to do with. Carl had a big heart and never hesitated to jump in and help wherever needed. He could always entertain a crowd with a song or a hilarious story. Carl came from humbling beginnings. In his youth he spent many hours walking the ridges of Tennessee, which were many of his fondest memories. He was the happiest when he was outdoors, with his family, playing music, gardening and worshiping the Lord. Carl had 4 goals after turning the age of 90 years: 1. to see all of his grandchildren happy; 2. to see a first great grandchild, which he saw 2; 3. to live to at least to the age of 93 1/2 so he could brag to say he was the oldest living Davidson-Baker in his family; 4. to meet his Lord and Savior. Carl is survived by his beloved daughter, Sandra (Michael) Oetting of Monroe; three loving grandchildren: Samantha Oetting, Matthew (Amanda) Oetting, and Noah Oetting; and two adorable great-grandchildren, Everlee and Kinsley Oetting. In addition to his parents and wife, Carl was preceded in death by a son, Steven Davidson; brother, Earl Davidson; and sisters, Maude Green and Irene Collins. Carl touched many lives through his ministry of God and music over the last 9 decades from the hills of Tazwell, Tennessee to Monroe, MI. Carl will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones. His Memory will live on in all who had the honor to know and love him. Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Mar. 9th at Bacarella Funeral Home. Carl will lie in state at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church where services will begin at 11 a.m. The church pastors, Rev.’s Kim and Cindy Semran will officiate followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery where military honors will be provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Carl, the family suggests supporting First Baptist Church, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Visiting Angels. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Carl W. Davidson

September 1, 1932 - February 27, 2026