Fred Gabbard Jr.

June 11, 2024 at 3:07 p.m.


Fred C. Gabbard Jr., age 59, of Connersville died Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Reid Health in Richmond.

Born June 29, 1964 in Connersville he was the son of the late Fred C. Sr. Alma (Deaton) Gabbard.  He was a graduate of the former Laurel High School in Laurel where he played trumpet and took first place in the state solo ensemble contest all four years of high school.  He went on to play trumpet with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and had also played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 

On December 8, 2023 he and the former Lennie Roberts were united in marriage and she survives.

Fred worked in the maintenance department at Sperry Rubber & Plastics in Brookville for over 38 years until its closure.  During his tenure at Sperry, he served as UAW Union president for 15 years.  In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, and tinkering on cars and was known to be able to fix anything.  

Besides his wife Lennie, survivors include a daughter, River Rhea Gabbard; two sisters, Nila Gabbard Gilven and Robyn (Mike) Gabbard Hammond; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Metamora Church of God, 20152 U.S. Highway 52, Brookville.

Rev. Wayne Ison will officiate the funeral service at 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2024 at Metamora Church of God.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to Metamora Church of God or American Cancer Society.  

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Gabbard family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary.

Fred C. Gabbard Jr., age 59, of Connersville died Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Reid Health in Richmond.

Born June 29, 1964 in Connersville he was the son of the late Fred C. Sr. Alma (Deaton) Gabbard.  He was a graduate of the former Laurel High School in Laurel where he played trumpet and took first place in the state solo ensemble contest all four years of high school.  He went on to play trumpet with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and had also played with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 

On December 8, 2023 he and the former Lennie Roberts were united in marriage and she survives.

Fred worked in the maintenance department at Sperry Rubber & Plastics in Brookville for over 38 years until its closure.  During his tenure at Sperry, he served as UAW Union president for 15 years.  In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, and tinkering on cars and was known to be able to fix anything.  

Besides his wife Lennie, survivors include a daughter, River Rhea Gabbard; two sisters, Nila Gabbard Gilven and Robyn (Mike) Gabbard Hammond; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Metamora Church of God, 20152 U.S. Highway 52, Brookville.

Rev. Wayne Ison will officiate the funeral service at 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2024 at Metamora Church of God.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to Metamora Church of God or American Cancer Society.  

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Gabbard family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary.

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