Born in Listowel, he was the son of the late John and Ethel Gabel. He married the former Marj Elliott on Oct. 20, 1956.
Mr. Gabel was a plumber. He was a member of the United Church.
He is survived by children Brian and his wife Helen of Courtice, Janet and her husband Rob Owens of Kincardine, and Barry and his wife Carolyn of Oshawa; grandchildren Ashley and Katie Gabel and Brandon and Cody Owens; siblings Charles of Listowel, Jean Barton of Cobourg, and Joyce Cooper of Picton; and mother-in-law Margaret Elliott of Listowel.
He was predeceased by his sister Eileen Burnett.
The funeral service was held at the W. Kent Milroy Port Elgin Chapel on Thursday, July 17, at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Gordon Williams.
The pallbearers were Jack Gabel, Jack Kelly, Paul Carnahan, Rob Owens, Brian Gabel and Barry Gabel.
The honourary flower bearers were Ashley and Katie Gabel and Brandon and Cody Owens.
Interment was in Sanctuary Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to the Canadian Diabetes Assocation or the Port Elgin United Church were appreciated.