Jackie L. "Jack" Gabbard

Jackie “Jack” Gabbard, 79, of Connersville passed peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Fayette Regional Health System surrounded by his family. Born in Owsley County, Kentucky on September 28, 1933, he was the first born son of Orville and Pencie Newman Gabbard. The family moved to Connersville when he was eight. Both parents and his brother, Jan, preceded him in death. His surviving family includes his wife of 52 years, Rose Marie, who he married December 1, 1960; son Jeff Gabbard; grandchildren Blake and Brittany Gabbard, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Herschel and Ruth Ann Hannefey. Following his discharge from the Navy, he was employed by Visteon and its predecessors for 40 years before retiring in 1995. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. His family was the joy of his life, and he enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities. An avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, he followed the Wildcats both on the radio and television for over 60 years. He was also a woodworker who completed many projects after his retirement. Friends may visit on Tuesday, August 6 from noon until 2:00pm at Showalter-Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, where funeral services will be conducted immediately following visitation. Interment will be in Dale Cemetery, Connersville. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.