Harry William "Bill" Gabel

Bill was born June 7, 1937 in Glencoe, Ohio to Harry Martin Gabel and Dorothy Juanita Gabel. Bill graduated high school from Bellaire High School in 1955 and immediately began his military service. Bill served with honor for 24 years, to include tours in Okinawa, Guam, Philippines, Tokyo, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam. Bill received numerous awards and medals to include two Bronze stars for meritorious service in Vietnam. After retiring from the military Bill worked for the Veterans Administration of Polk County. He enjoyed helping his fellow veterans. He retired from the VA in July 1999 after 20 years of service.

Bill had a love of music throughout his entire life. He played the piano, organ, guitar, and the trombone. He was the music director at his local church. He loved music and so very much enjoyed leading the choir. Bill was loved and respected by everyone he met. He was compassionate and caring and loved by his veterans so much. He had a sharp sense of humor and could catch you by surprise, always with a twinkle in his eye.

Bill was also known for his love of cars and for being a fashion plate. Bill would never go anywhere unless he was dressed to the nines, from his many hats to his matching shoes. And the cars….so many cars. What a love affair he had with this American institution. He loved nothing less than climbing into his car and taking off onto the wide open highway. He spent many many hours maintaining and cleaning his automobiles. He treated them like his babies.

He was beloved by his family and it is unfathomable that he will not be here to guide us through our life’s journeys.

Bill is survived by his beautiful wife, Marilyn, and his three children, Debbie Crider of Boulder, CO, Tim Gabel of Tallahassee, FL and Monica Gabel of Lakeland, FL. He also has four grandchildren whom he cherished: Kelsey Crider and Danielle Crider both of Boulder, CO; and Tabetha McCrimmon of Key West, FL and Luke McCrimmon (US Army) stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He is survived by his brother Robert Gabel and Robert’s wife Brenda Jo Gabel. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 1, 6-8 pm at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven.

Funeral service will be held Friday, June 2 at 10:00 am at Ott-Laughlin.

Military ceremonial service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, at 2:30 pm Friday, June 2.