Danny Lee Gabbard

Danny Lee Gabbard, 60, of Lake Charles, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2017 at a local hospital.

Danny was born in Great Lakes, IL, to Bobby Lee Gabbard and Audrey Verrett Cole and lived many places growing up following his father’s Navy career. He moved to Lake Charles his junior year, was a graduate of Barbe High School and attended McNeese State University. He retired, an operator for PPG Industries with over thirty years of dedicated service.

Danny loved Mardi Gras and was a member of the Krewe Du Lac and Krewe De Pirates, as well as the Pelican Coast Parrot Head Club and Calcasieu Boat Club. He was a loyal supporter of McNeese State University and enjoyed tailgating with friends and family for MSU sporting events. During his younger years Danny played baseball and football and in his later years, enjoyed coaching his son’s little league baseball and soccer teams. He also enjoyed duck and goose hunting.  His greatest joy was his love and devotion to his family and the unity they shared. 

Danny was a loyal and caring husband, father, son, grandfather and a trusted friend.  He leaves to honor his memory, his loving wife of 40 years, Pansy Manuel Gabbard; son, Bradley Stephen Gabbard and wife Loree; four grandchildren, Grace Catherine Gabbard, Gabrielle Hope Gabbard, Bailee Morgan Gabbard and Cullen King Gabbard and mother, Audrey Verrett Cole; all of Lake Charles; three sisters, Peggy Van Horn and husband Lyle, of Lake Charles; Lee Ann Broussard and husband Guy and Susan Nelson and husband Mike, both of Lafayette.  He also leaves a large extended family, including his mother and father-in-law, Calvin and Betty Manuel; brother-in-law, Dennis Manuel and wife Patty; sisters-in-law, Valerie Guillory and husband Cornelius and Connie Coco; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee Gabbard; stepfather, William Cole and brothers-in-law, George Bruce Manuel and Christopher Layne Manuel.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery.  Visitation Monday will be from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Tuesday will be from 8:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.