Floyd Martin Gabel

Floyd Martin Gabel Floyd Martin Gabel, age 91, passed away at MOSAIC Hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri, surrounded by his children on January 31, 2016. Floyd was born to Martin and Lillian (Christopherson) Gabel in Swea City, Iowa, on October 1, 1924. He graduated from Swea City High School in 1942. Floyd farmed his entire childhood and into his adulthood until he enlisted into the US Navy for which he served proudly during WWII. He served as a radio man for 2 years and 3 months on the Stephen Potter and proudly told the story of taking the coded message that President Truman had dropped the Atom Bomb. He was schooled in Morse Code in Moscow, Idaho. The Missouri was his flag ship and he served in the 6th fleet. He left the service after the war had ended as a 3rd class Petty Officer. His time in the service and at sea took him to the South Pacific. He spent time in the seas around Iwo Jima, Nagoya and Tokyo. He spent his entire Navy career on picket duty for the Missouri flag ship. After returning from the war, he chose to get his education utilizing the GI Bill. He enrolled in a Jr. College in Estherville, Iowa, where he played football. It was at this time, he joined a quartet where he showcased his beautiful bass voice. It was through music that he met his wife, Estelle Marie Krummel of 66 years. They married on October 15, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri. The couple welcomed the arrivals of 7 children, Melody Ann, Gloria Kay, Cynthia Joy, Gerald (Gerry) Floyd, Boyd Martin, Lisa Marie, and Angela Rae. Floyd eventually transferred to Washington University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He also went on to graduate with his Masters from the University of Missouri in Education with an emphasis in Physical Education. He coached (or raised) many students over the 12 years he taught. Many have kept in touch with him because of the many lessons he taught them in school that far exceeded the school education. He finished his teaching and coaching career at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. His coaching career spanned many years and sports, both at the High School and Collegiate level, but his true loves were basketball and baseball, where many life lessons were taught on and off the court and field. In 1965, the family moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, so Floyd could take a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. It was at this job, his giving heart was on display again for 22 years. He assisted those with disabilities to obtain education and jobs. He again, served with pride. Floyd was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Chillicothe for 50 years. He sang in the Chancel Choir and served on many boards over the years. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Vern R. Glick American Legion Post 25, and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid hunter with his boys and the memories that occurred in those blinds will be cherished. Floyd was preceded in death by three children, Melody Ann, Cynthia Joy and Boyd Martin; his parents, Martin and Lillian Gabel; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, August and Katherine Krummel; one brother, Darold Gabel; three brothers-in-law, Edward Krummel, Walter Krummel and Bill Moore; three sisters-in-law, Mercedes Gabel, Glorianna Moore and Ruth Krummel. He leaves his wife of 66 years, Estelle; four children and spouses, Gloria Warren, Gerry (Pam) Gabel, Lisa (Tripp) Allen and Angela (Kelly) Poling. Floyd was the grandfather to 12 grandchildren, Adam (Melanie) Warren, Christopher (Libby) Warren, Jessica (Jason) Johnston, Brett (Cori) Gabel, Brooke (Brandon) Rutstein, Bradee Gabel, Kacy Sager, Craig Sager, Krista Sager, Maddison Gabel, Gabriel Poling and McKenna Poling. He also held the proud title of great grandfather to 8 great grandchildren, Adam, Jr. and Alexandra Warren, Estella and Ethan Warren, Jocelyn and Jovey Johnston, and Benson and Beckham Gabel. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. There is no way that a few short paragraphs can encompass a man's life of 91 years. He taught and touched so many children's lives through his own family, the kids he taught and coached through school or volunteering through SPA, Legion baseball, or the YMCA, the adults he helped overcome disabilities and the countless individuals he prayed for over the years. He served the Lord first and foremost. He loved hearing his children sing and watching them in all school functions. After all of his children graduated, he carried that tradition over to attending all of the activities of his grandchildren. He raised his children to take care of others, to love unconditionally and to always see the good in people. He led by example in his work ethic, the giving of his time and talents and his beautiful hugs. All those that had the opportunity to experience his heart are surely better human beings because of his love. Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. A scheduled family visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Chillicothe or the SPA Program in Chillicothe and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.