Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Gabbard Obituary
age 75, went home to be with the Lord on Friday July 31, 2015. He was born in McKee, Ky. on March 19, 1940, the eldest son of Elbie and Georgia Gabbard. He graduated from Taylor High School in North Bend, Ohio and proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961 as a radio and telegraph operator. Ken left the Marines at the rank of Lance Corporal and married Marilyn Ralston in Liberal, Kan. on March 4, 1961. He worked for Monsanto and Advanced Elastomer Systems from 1961 to 1996 and attended Thomas More College from 1973 to 1975. Ken and Marilyn lived in Bright, Ind., Muscatine, IA. and were long-time residents of Canal Fulton, Ohio, together until his last day. They were parents to six children and opened their home to nine foster children. Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents Everett and Lily Eastwood and George and Vesta Gabbard, his father Elbie and his sisters Donna Klaustenkemper and Judy Meistemaker.
He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of fifty-four years; his mother, Georgia; sister, Sonja Israel; brother, David Gabbard; children, Jennifer Harbaugh (husband, Edward of Canal Fulton, Ohio), Jane Becker (husband, Scott of Fort Wright, Ky.), Janice Gabbard (Hebron, Ky.), Joe Gabbard (wife Helen of Thornton, Colo.), John Gabbard (wife Andrea of Massillon, Ohio), Jacob Gabbard (wife, Erica of Dover, Pa.), grandchildren Krista and Kate Harbaugh, Pierce, Bridgette and Jane Gootee, Rachel and Alex Becker, Joe, Nathan, Emma, Benjamin, Destiny, Reece, Abby, Bella, Paige and Gwen Gabbard, foster children Elizabeth, Mary, Andy, Cory, Allen, Nicole, Sean, Cody and Lacey along with countless friends and neighbors. Ken loved bluegrass music, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family. Those who knew him were better for it. Those who never met him can see him in those he left behind. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, gardener, fisherman, mentor, teacher, trusted advisor, coach and good friend. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Mercy Hospice.
Calling hours will be held at Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home on Wednesday Aug. 5, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00. Final Resting Place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman.
Swigart-Easterling,
330-854-2356
www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com
About Kenneth
- Served in the US Marine Corps
- Ken loved bluegrass music, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gabbard
Anne
July 27, 2023
He was a great guy and his wife is my best friend
Staci Oppleman-Bedell
February 2, 2016
I was so very sorry to learn of your loss, Marilyn, and will always be appreciative of the kindness extended to me during my years in Ohio. May you and your family be at peace, now and forever.
John Rafailedes
August 5, 2015
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Ken, along with your mom, raised a great family and were well respected in Canal Fulton. John, Jacob and the family I give you my sorrow.
Stark County Democratic Party
August 5, 2015
Sincerest sympathies to Marilyn and family from the Stark County Democratic Party.
Ron & Marge Evans
August 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. We know John very well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thomas J Hughes
August 4, 2015
He was a better father than a banjo player. And he was the best banjo player Ive ever heard.
August 4, 2015
Marilyn, I will miss my good and loyal friend. My sympathy to you and family and Star. With Sadness in my heart, Jeff Limbach, Tuslaw
August 3, 2015
Jake, I was sad to hear about your dad. He was a very nice man when we all were growing up, many prayers to you and your family.
Kristina Albrecht
August 3, 2015
Love & Prayers to the Gabbard Family! XoXo
Lynda & Rick Yarish
August 3, 2015
Sending Love and Prayers to you Jennifer and your family. May you find comfort in the fact that he is an Angel to watch over you and the family. Just from reading what was written I can tell he was an amazing man and so loved. Lynda & Rick Yarish
cheryl mcgirr
August 3, 2015
My greatest sympathy to you, Marilyn and your family.
August 3, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's promise that we can see our loved ones again. John 6:40 & 1Thessalonians 4:13.
Suzanne Stephan
August 3, 2015
Bob and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Marilyn and her family. I hope you can find peace that Kenn is not in pain anymore,he will always be with you.
August 3, 2015
Our sympathy is extended to the families of my cousin Ken through the Eastwood side of the family. Peace be with you as you go through this troubling time.
Russ and Roberta Geis, Louisville, Ohio
Bill Foss
August 3, 2015
Thoughts & prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish your memories and love you had with your dad. May God bless you and your family always...
Jerry Born
August 2, 2015
I have not had the pleasure to meet your father however, he had to be all of those good things words do not describe, knowing the person your are Joe. Our sympathies from my family to yours and take this time to burn in all of those great memories. God Bless. Jerry
Mary Gellert
August 2, 2015
Marilyn and family......I am sure Kenn arrived in heaven via Colorado. We will never forget your trip to Colorado and the car breaking down! We have such good memories of your family. Mary Gellert
Anne Habitzel
August 2, 2015
I remember the many times you and your family included me as well in the family gatherings. Your family became my "extended" family which means so much to me over the 35+ years when you came to this area. Also getting me involved in the Miss Ohio program beginning with your daughter, Jane Ann in 1989. Driving to work together and the list goes on and on. You will be missed!
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Gabbard's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Gabbard
Aug
5
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Funeral services provided by:
Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home - Canal Fulton624 Cherry Street East, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Gabbard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
