Thomas L. Gabel

1/09/1932 – 3/15/2014

Thomas L. Gabel, 82, formerly of New Knoxville, died March 15, 2014, at Gulfside Regional Hospice in Zephyrhills, Fla.

He was born Jan. 9, 1932, in Columbus, to William Henry and Ruth (McPherson) Gabel. On Jan. 31, 1953, in Washington, D.C., he married Gloria June McHugh, who died Jan. 2, 2000. He later married Ruth Hildreth in 2001, who survives in Columbus.

Also surviving are two daughters, Monica (Larry) Wills, Zephyrhills, and Meredith (Todd) Pratt, Spring Hill, Tenn.; sons, Harry (Christy Settlage) Gabel, New Knoxville, Thomas (Mary Jo Schmiesing) Gabel, Minster, Andrew (Nancy Kirkhoff) Gabel, Spencerville, John (Laura Raesky) Gabel, Wapakoneta, Chris (Gail Gurowski) Gabel, New Bremen, Matt (Jill Settlage) Gabel, New Knoxville, and Eric (Mia Doty) Gabel, Mt. Vernon; 30 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a stepmother, Ruth (Wright) Gabel.

He was a graduate of Worthington High School and attended The Ohio State University. He retired from Kerry Ingredients Corp. in Covington, where he was plant manager. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the New Knoxville United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 444 in New Knoxville. He was instrumental in the Buckeye Boys State program, having served as commissioner and program director for 40 years. He also was involved with the Farm Science Review in London for a number of years. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family