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Submitted: 7/20/16 • Approved: 7/30/16 • Last Updated: 8/2/16 • R1149256-G0-S3
TECHNICAL FIFTH GRADE US Army
World War II
August 17, 1915 - February 4, 2003
Lester D. Gabbard, age 87 of Conway, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2003).
Born Aug. 17, 1915, in Durham, he was the son of the late James B. and Hester Davis Gabbard.
He was also preceded in death by six brothers.
Born and raised around Elkins, he loved spending time in the Ozarks. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting (especially squirrels). He also enjoyed fishing.
Mr. Gabbard carried the nickname "Tinker." After more than 30 years he retired from Dean Milk Co. as a mechanical-electrical maintenance engineer. He was a jack-of-all-trades and worked for many other individuals with the highest of praise. He could repair just about anything. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was highly involved with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family, his friends and his neighbors. He always had interesting stories to tell and he loved talking to people. He was a member of Second Baptist Church in Conway and loved his church.
He is survived by his wife, Maudie "Pauline" Gabbard of Conway; two sons, Curtis Gabbard and Bobby Gabbard, both of Conway; two daughters, Judy Freyaldenhoven and Pam Brenske, both of Conway; nine grandchildren, Lawrence Gabbard, Tracy Ellis, Micah Gabbard, John Freyaldenhoven, Paula Shaw, Amy Freyaldenhoven, Kathryn Freyaldenhoven, Sarah Smith and Brian Brenske; two step-grandchildren, Jamie Badji and Shannon Gavin; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ethel Goolsby of Fayetteville.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church in Conway, with Bro. William West officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Lawrence Gabbard, Micah Gabbard, John Freyaldenhoven, Brian Brenske, Levi Sartain and Caleb Sartain. Adam Freyaldenhoven will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway.
Parents:
James B. Gabbard (1885 - 1963)
Hestella Davis Gabbard (1892 - 1962)
Spouse:
Maudie Fulmer Gabbard (1916 - 2005)
Siblings:
George E. Gabbard (1913 - 1980)
Lester D. Gabbard (1915 - 2003)
Ethel Jane Gabbard Goolsby (1918 - 2011)
Clyde Troy Gabbard (1920 - 1999)
Floyd Billie Gabbard (1922 - 1997)
Noah Eugene Gabbard (1928 - 1991)
Contributed on 7/20/16 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1149256