Donald "Don" Gable Jr.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Gering Civic Center from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Family request casual attire and join them for food, refreshments and fellowship. At Don’s request, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may given to the family to be designated at a later date. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with services.

Don was born on December 3, 1949 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Donald Gable Sr and Isabelle (Leach) Gable. He attended McKinley Elementary school and graduated from Gering High School in 1968. He participated in football, basketball, track, Student Council and Industrial Arts club, Go Baseball and American Legion baseball.

Don was drafted in 1969 and eventually enlisted in the US Army in September of 1969.

Don married Sandi Haun on December 28, 1969, while Don was home on leave. He attended Army Security Agency schooling in Massachusetts and California before going to Vietnam. He served with the 1st Cav and was awarded the Bronze Star and the rank of E5, Specialist during his tour of duty.

After one year in Vietnam, Don and Sandi spent one year in Germany, where Don continued to work for the Army Security Agency. Don and Sandi made some life long friends and traveled every chance they had.

After his 3 year enlistment was completed Don and Sandi moved to Hays, Kansas where Don attended Ft. Hays State, lettered in football and graduated with a degree in Education. Their daughter Heather was born while living in Hays, Kansas.

After graduation, Don was a high school teacher and coach for 2 years and returned to Gering where their son Travis was born. Don spent 12 years on the Gering Board of Education, worked with Oregon Trail Days and other civic projects such as the Moving Vietnam Wall and the Iraq Afghanistan Memorial.

Don loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was happiest cooking, entertaining them and following all of their activities, wanting nothing but happiness for them.

Don was a Boston Red Sox and Raider fan. He listened to the Huskers when they won their first National Championship while serving with the 1st Cav at a fire base about 4 miles from the Cambodian border and has been a Husker fan ever since.

Don and Sandi are members of Gering Zion Church where they found Jesus Christ and their faith continued to grow. Don served the church in any way that he could. He had a special passion for Veterans and homeless people and tried to serve the Lord by serving them.

Survivors include his wife Sandi Gable; daughter Heather (Colby) Elliott; son Travis (Stevie) Gable; grandchildren Delaney Dean, Brylee Dean, Jacoby Elliott, Kennie Gable and Boston Gable; siblings Rick (Vicky) Gable, Mona Leach, David (Michelle) Gable and Robin Gable; sisters-in-law Karen Bolzer and Joy (Kirk) Arnold; brother in law Allen (Mary Kay) Haun and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law Lucille and Ray Haun; brother Danny Gable and grandson Toren Gable.

Don hated saying good bye to people even on the phone, and as his faith grew stronger he began to understand why, instead of saying Good Bye, he would say See ya later! That is his hope, that he will see you in a better place.