Earl Gabriel

Earl Gabriel, 87, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2023. Born in Houston, Texas, on March 30, 1936, to Vincent J. and Loretta Kreger Gabriel, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, who passed away 28 days before him, his parents, and his brothers Richard "Dickey" Glenn (1943-1965) and Harold Lee (1937-2014).

Earl is survived by his children; daughters Diana Gabriel, Lindsay Gabriel, Susan Gabriel-Smith and Christine Gabriel; sons Vince Gabriel and Patrick Gabriel; grandchildren, Evan Bernard, Claire Bernard, Kelsey Bland, Duncan Smith, John Bland, Ainslee Straw, Trinity Gabriel and Prestley Gabriel.

Above all else, Earl loved Nancy, his bride of 67 years, his children, and especially his grandchildren. Earl was a gifted athlete, and his love of sports lasted throughout his life. Upon high school graduation, he was signed to play right field with the St Louis Cardinals. He coached his sons' little league teams and is still remembered by many for his athleticism, sportsmanship and sense of humor. As a golfer, he was known for his skill and pursuit of perfection, if not his patience. As a granddad, he was given the bunny rabbit award by the neighborhood swim team for being ready to jump in and help anytime he was needed. He doted on his grandchildren and delighted in driving them to get special ice cream treats.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Abbie Ward for providing Earl loving, kind and compassionate care during the last years of his life.

Earl loved Houston's Memorial Park, especially the golf course. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Park Conservancy (https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/). A mass will be held on August 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St, Houston, TX 77008. Following the mass, please join the family in celebrating the lives of Earl and Nancy at an address to be announced.