Kenneth Lee Gabbard, age 75, went home to be with the Lord on Friday July 31st. He was born in McKee, KY on March 19th, 1940, the eldest son of Elbie and Georgia Gabbard. He graduated from Taylor High School in North Bend, OH 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, KS on March 4th, 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, IN, Muscatine, IA and were long-time residents of Canal Fulton, OH, 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, OH), Jane Becker (husband, Scott of Fort Wright, KY), Janice Gabbard (Hebron, KY), Joe Gabbard (wife Helen of Thornton, CO), John Gabbard (wife Andrea of Massillon, OH), 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 August 5th from 6:00 PM to 8:00. Final Resting Place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman.

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