GABBARD SR., Alan L., passed away January 30, 2013, after a brief illness at Kettering Medical Center, with his family at his bedside. Alan was born August 7, 1923 in St. Helens, KY. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, of 47 years, Eleanor(Smith)and four sisters; Pauline, Lillie Mae, Ann, and Delora. Alan is survived by his beloved companion and special friend Wanda Gibson, son Dr. Alan L.(Bonnie)Gabbard II of Springfield, OH., daughter Hannah “Betsy”(John)Townsend of West Chester, OH., grandchildren; Lisa(Dennis)Daniels, Eric(Sharee)Townsend, Dr. Scott(Cynthia)Gabbard, and Stacey(Kevin)Riley, great-grandchildren: Jordan Daniels, Jessica(Jay)Lindsey, Tyler Daniels, Joshua and Ethan Townsend, and Brendon Riley, brother Clarence(Irene)Gabbard, sisters; Ruth(Alfred)McKiddy and Josephine Fox, Alan is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Alan joined the Navy at age 17 in June 1941 and served until 1948. He returned to the Naval Reserves from 1950-1956. He was recalled for active duty during North Korean War 1952-1956. Before WWII was declared he served in the North Atlantic fighting German submarines. During WWII he served abroad the USS Gwin and USS Celano AK76 until both were sunk. He sailed in support of the Jimmy Doolittle Raiders from Pearl Harbor to the front door of Japan. He was in the battle of Midway, Guadalcanal, the Coral Sea and Solomon Islands. After discharge in 1948 he moved to Dayton, Ohio and worked at Chrysler Air Temp for 36 years, working in Engineering as a Sheet Metal designer. He helped make the first Auto A/C model and personally made the first blower for air conditioners under the Chrysler name. Alan was Past Master of Mystic Lodge 405 F&AM, serving 50 years. He served almost 55 years in the Masonic Chapter 230, and 50 years with Knights Templers Commandery #68; also a Scottish Rite 32 degree. Alan was also a 50 year member and past Supreme Counselor of United Commercial Travelers (UCT), and the Antioch Temple Shriners; lifetime member of VFW Post #9927. Alan was also an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, serving as an usher, lay reader and “Stephens” Minister until his death. Family to receive friends Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 2:00PM until 5:00PM at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-Far Hills Chapel. Funeral service will be held 10:00AM Monday at St. George’s Episcopal Church 5520 Far Hills Ave., with Rev. Benjamin Phillips officiating. Burial will follow Miami Valley Memory Gardens. Masonic services 4:30 PM Sunday. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18