Kenneth “Gabby” Gabbard, age 57, of Marion, Il., passed away at 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at his home.

He was born in Hazard, Ky., on May 2, 1951, the son of Matt and Hettie Anita (Russell) Gabbard.

Kenneth was a graduate of Dilce Combs High School of Jeff, Ky,. located near Hazard.

His working career was with the Bureau of Prisons Department of Justice at the United States Penitentiary of Marion, Il. as a correctional officer for 20 years and 3 days until his retirement in 2002.

He was a member of the Illinois Police Association and the American Federation of Government Employees Local Union #2343.

Kenneth enjoyed collecting coins, playing cards and was an avid golfer.

He also was a coupon clipper and the amount of money he would save by using the coupons he would buy additional food and donate to the needy. He collected for many charities and people who had a need. Kenneth will be remembered as a giving person and one who made a difference in the lives of many. Now those left behind will cherish all the many memories that have been created by having known him.

He is survived by three sisters and two brothers-in-law; Mattie C. Spencer of Murphysboro, IL, Betty and Charles Vaile of Herrin, IL and Freda Faye and Jim Wiseman of Hazard, KY; three brothers and three sisters-in-law, Ernest and Charlotte Cornett of Marion, IL, James and Bonnie Gabbard of Lewisville, TX and John R. and Etta Gabbard of Hazard, KY; special friend of 26 plus years, LaDonna Waldron of Herrin, IL; sister-in-law, Janice Gabbard of Nashville, TN, a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.        

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ernestine Melton in 1985; two brothers, Theo Gabbard in 2006 and Carl Michael Gabbard in 2002, and his nephew, Jonathon Gabbard.

Arrangements for Kenneth “Gabby” Gabbard have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959.  

The visitation for the family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9th at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Blumenstock and Rev. Jim Rivett presiding.

Interment will follow in East Lawn Memorial Gardens of Energy, IL.

In memory of Kenneth “Gabby” Gabbard, the family has requested memorial contributions made to The Christian Appalachian Project of Lancaster, KY, The Children’s Miracle Network or The Salvation Army.  

Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence for the family please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call 618-993-2131.