Gabel, Brian

Brian S. Gabel on November 21, 2024, at 8:22 p.m. while at home and surrounded by love, changed his venue from his Earthly home to an eternal, heavenly placement after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Brian was born on August 14, 1960. in Galesburg, Illinois. to Lawrence P. and Alice June Gabel and was the youngest of their three children. 

Brian attended Bateman School, Gale Middle School, Churchill Junior High and Galesburg Senior High all in Galesburg, Illinois, During High School, Brian was a member of the varsity football team, a founding member of The Rowdies and performed with the Singing Streaks. Upon graduating from Galesburg High School in 1979, he immediately set off to fulfill his great ambition to be a member of the United States Air Force. 

During his military career he had incredible experiences and missions throughout the world including travel to every continent and every state with the exception of Idaho. It was during President Ronald Reagan’s term that he was recruited to complete Army Ranger training which then led him to be a S.W.A.T. trainer at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. His many accomplishments included coordinating security for the Air Force Thunderbirds and being with the first Air Force security unit deployed to Antarctica. His final military assignment was to Scott Air Force Base where he served in the Inspector General’s office. He selflessly dedicated twenty years of service and retired in 1999 as Chief Master Sergeant. 

Brian had a life-long drive to continue his education and received a Master’s Degree, a Doctorate and PhD. After his retirement from the Air Force, he began his second career as a teacher. He taught in juvenile detention homes, prisons and high schools where he sought to provide sound advice and insight to prepare each child for success. Dr. Gabel was known to encourage each and every student through acceptance, grace and a sense of humor. Most recently he was a teacher at the Monmouth-Roseville High School for the past eight years.

Upon returning to the Galesburg area in 2014, he reunited with his fourth-grade sweetheart, Darla (Krisher) Powell and they married in 2016. Brian leaves behind beloved friends, colleagues, and many students, and a family that he treasured above all else. 

Brian is survived by his mother June Gabel and Step-father Kenneth P. Swanson, and brother, Brent E. Gabel all of Galesburg, Illinois; sons Benjamin H. (Meghan) Gabel and Zachary P. Gabel of Millstadt, Illinois; his wife Darla Powell of Knoxville, Illinois and Step-son Marvin (Andrea) Powell and their children: Drew, Lauren and Caleb of Normal, Illinois and his Step-brother Brian Swanson of Lincoln, Nebraska. Brian is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was proceeded in death in 1979 by his father, Lawrence Gabel and brother Tony Gabel in 2019.

In the days before his passing, Brian shared with his son Zach words of wisdom including: God is real and He provides salvation. Money is not important. Be kind to people. And, find a good spouse.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the First Church of God at 1080 Harrison Street in Galesburg, Illinois. A time to gather with family will be held from 10-11 a.m. with a service to follow led by Pastor Pete Cocos of the Community Bible Church in Knoxville, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers Brian requested monetary contributions which will be used to purchase backpacks and school supplies as needed for students at the Monmouth-Roseville High School. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral & Crematory is assisting the family with his wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.