Lavern "Eddie" Gabel of St. James, Missouri was born on Jan. 17, 1933 in Phelps County, Missouri to Lavern E. and Anna Madeline (Dunivivan) Gabel Sr. and passed away May 13, 2026 at the age of 93 years.
He was a graduate of Newburg High School.
He married Lucy "Josephine” Black on June 23, 1955 at the Church of God in Newburg, Missouri.
He was raised on a farm near Mill Creek and took great pride in carrying on the family tradition when he took over his father's farm. He raised dairy cattle as well as Angus and Herefords. In the early years of his career, he ground his own feed, growing corn and wheat.
He volunteered at the St. James Caring Center for more than 18 years. He also raised a large garden each year.
He enjoyed road trips and his cat, Parker.
He served on boards such as the ASCS, Phelps County Housing Board and Gasconade Electric.
He attended church faithfully, served as an usher for over three decades and was a member of Flag Springs Church for six years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavern E. Gabel Sr. and Anna Madeline (Dunivivan) Gabel; wife, Josephine; son-in-law, Ed Davis; grandson, Skyler Gabel; and granddaughter-in-law, Hannah McDowell.
He is survived by his daughter, Jane Davis of St. James, Missouri; son, Paul Gabel of Gassville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Amanda Stirling (John) of Volga, South Dakota and Andrea Moshier (Derek) of Salem, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, John Stirling, Riley Stirling, Chase Stirling, Kayla Moshier, Anthony Moshier, Andrew Davis (Taylor) and McKensi Watson (DeShawn); 11 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Bro. Gary Bartle and Edmond Davis officiating. Pallbearers were Edmond Davis, Marty Davis, Steve Gabel, L. J. Sterling, Derek Moshier and Andrew Davis.
Burial in Ozark Hills in Rolla, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
