Gary Lee Gabbard, 58, devoted husband, father, brother and uncle, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Indiana University Medical Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born December 30, 1951 in Gary, IN, to the late William and Merle Gabbard, Gary graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1969 and from Ball State University in 1973.  Gary was a dedicated teacher for 23 years in Indiana and North Carolina.  He and his wife raised their family in Kendallville, IN.  Always the life of the party, Gary, affectionately referred to as "Gabby," was an avid cook and enjoyed sports, reading, and tending to his rose garden.  Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends.
Gary was wed to his true love, Debra Johnson, on August 24, 1974 in Murray, IN.  He is survived by his wife, Debra of Indianapolis, IN; two sons, Joel of Fort Wayne, IN and Sean (Adriana) of St. Louis Park, MN; brother, Michael (Mary) of Valparaiso, IN, and his sister, Patricia (Ken) Platt, also of Valparaiso.  Gary will be missed dearly by all who knew him and will be remembered by those whose lives were influenced by his teaching and coaching.
A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CST) Saturday, September 11 at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN.  Funeral services will be immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202) in memory of Gary Lee Gabbard.