Robert Gabbard

Pastor Robert Douglas Gabbard, 69, of Gaylord, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 7, 2012 after struggling this year with brain cancer. He was born January 5, 1943 in Detroit to Pearl Henry Gabbard and Clatie May (Perry) Gallant, who both preceded him in death. He grew up in Farmington. In 1992, Bob asked God for a good, loving and faithful Christian wife. May 1, 1993 he said his prayer was answered as he married his beloved wife, Janice. They dedicated their lives and their marriage to God, serving him faithfully for 20 years. Bob was a welder/fabricator for 40 years. He owned ARC-CO Welding in Redford and later, B&J Welding in Livonia. He was ordained January 1, 2000. He and Janice ministered from 1997-2000 at Leisure Village Assisted Living Center in Westland. They moved to the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, MT in 2002 where they ministered to the Sioux and Assiniboine Indians serving as Missionary/Pastors of Abundant Life PCG until 2007. From 2007 until his death Pastor Bob pastored at Breath of Life Pentecostal Church of God in Alba, Michigan. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; five children, Kimberly Acorn of AL, Robert Gabbard Jr of Willis, Michelle "Sissy" Martin of South Lyon, Christina (Jim) Garbacik of Garden City, and Lori (Tim) Roeder of Pinckney; sisters, Nancy Rajala and Georgia Hudson; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. Although he loved fishing and motorcycling, Pastor Bob's greatest passion was preaching the gospel and winning souls to Christ. He loved telling people about Jesus and was loved and respected by many. A Celebration of Pastor Bob's Life will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Breath of Life PCG Church, 6162 C-42, Alba, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family through Mortensen Funeral Homes, PO Box 307, Mancelona MI 49659. The Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes is serving the family. Please sign his guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com