CARRIER MILLS, Ill. ---- Lowell "Gabby" Gabbard, 86, of Carrier Mills, Ill., passed away Friday morning, April 9, 2004, at his residence.

Born Aug. 19, 1917 in Greene County, he was the son of Orval and Sarah Elizabeth (Moulden) Gabbard.

He was an World War II Army veteran, retired from IBEW Union, and a member of the American Legion Post 364 in Carrier Mills, Ill.

Survivors include his wife, Romayne Crawford Lanham Gabbard, whom he married on June 21, 1969; four sons, Jim Gabbard of Clarksville, Bob Gabbard of Fort Wayne, Richard Gabbard of Pierceton, and Roy Gabbard of Harrison; two daughters, Betty Buck of Muncie and Donna Dawes of Plano, Texas; one brother, William Earl Gabbard of Jasonville; 27 grandchildren; and several great and great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Ronnie Lanham; one brother, Marion Murl Gabbard; and his parents.

Funeral service were at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, Ill. Burial followed in Salem Cemetery.