Edwin Gabel

Edwin Paul “Red” Gabel, 73, was released from his health challenges on Thursday, October 26, 2006, surrounded by his family. The fifth of six children, Ed was born on April 18, 1933 in Ness City, Kansas to Sebastian Paul and Rose Rohr Gabel. He moved with his family to Topeka in 1935. Ed graduated from Hayden High School in 1952, where he lettered in football four years, was named to the All Jayhawk League four years and the All State Football Team in 1950-51. Ed served in the US Navy from 1952-56, aboard the USS Shangri-La during the Korean War. Following his honorary discharge, he returned to Topeka and owned and operated the Oasis Bar & Grill. He worked for Hygienic Dry Cleaners prior to and during high school, returning in 1958. From 1971-85, he worked for Alexander Bros. Baking Company (Butter Krust), first as a route salesman and later as a route supervisor. Ed and his wife, Mary Ann, also owned and operated Gabel’s Liquor from 1970-76 and Production Sales of Kansas from 1985-present, as well as Gabel’s Rentals. Ed was a Past Governor of the Topeka Moose Lodge. He is a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. He had been a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus #534; and the American Legion and the VFW. Ed married Mary Ann Redman on January 26, 1967. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Lou Gabel; brother, Wilfred V. Gabel; and grandsons, Timothy L. Gabel and Briar-Thomas Gabel. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Gabel; daughters Rose Mary Isaac, Port Clinton, OH and Angela R. Gabel, Topeka; sons Daniel J., Thomas E., and Joseph S., all of Topeka; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Lawrence J. Gabel, Irving, TX and Robert J. Gabel, Plano, TX; and two sisters, Esther Moulder, Branson, MO, and Mary Jane Wiegers, Marysville, KS. Ed was a “surrogate” father and brother to many over his lifetime. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3-5 at Most Pure Heart of Mary where a parish prayer service will be held at 4 pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at MPH on Monday at 11 a.m., followed by internment at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.

Edwin Gabel

April 18, 1933 - October 26, 2006