Gabel

Tony Ray Gabel, 79, died Nov. 21, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Tony was born in Lamesa, Texas, on March 17, 1942, to George and Doris Gabel. He was the oldest of four siblings. Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Fran of Logan, New Mexico; two daughters, Roxanne Erramouspe of Corona, New Mexico, and Toni Williams and her husband, Patrick of Wolfforth, Texas; one son, Jad Gabel and his wife, Jeanne of Canyon, Texas; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Anna Halencak of Canyon, Texas; two brothers, Clay Gabel of Wildorado, Texas, and Kent Gabel of Lubbock, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Tony was preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly Jane Elder; and his parents, George and Doris Gabel. Tony was devoted to his

family. In all that he did, his wife and family were the foremost of his decisions. He loved them with all his heart and spent his life taking care of them.

Tony grew up in a loving, Christian family and spent much time playing with his brothers, sister and cousins. Tony was raised in the farming and cattle industries, so it was a natural choice for him to choose that way of life. He was involved in various aspects of the farming and ranching business throughout his life.

In 1967, he met the love of his life, Fran Irlbeck, in Dimmitt, Texas. They married on July 3. For their whole married life together, he and Fran were the epitome of true love, and devoted to each other. They had four children, Roxanne Davette, Toni Rae, Jad Clay, and Kimberly Jane.

Tony moved his family several times through the years. Every place they lived, Tony and Fran were active in their community and always made finding a church home a priority. From the Texas Panhandle to West Texas and New Mexico, Tony and Fran made dear friends, and Tony knew everyone in the country. His young kids often were the cowboys of the operation. They rode and worked the cattle right alongside their Dad.

In 1996, Tony and Fran moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico, where Tony operated the Clabber Hill Farm and Ranch. While there, he and Fran operated the Adobe Belle Resort, the duplexes owned by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. People from all over would stay in the duplexes during the year and enjoy fishing and water activities at Conchas Lake. In 2006, Tony was a participant in the construction of the Tucumcari Feedyard and managed the feedyard until 2012.

Tony was an active member of the Center Street Methodist Church. He and Fran helped serve wherever needed. Tony served on various committees through the years and loved helping with the annual Pumpkin Patch Project.

For the last 10 years of his life, Tony molded his people skills and his extensive knowledge of farming and ranching into a successful ranch real estate career with Scott Land Company LLC, Dimmit, Texas. He also had a ranching and farm inspection service business. He conducted inspections for several banks in New Mexico and Texas. These ventures allowed Tony to do two things he loved – travel and visit with people.

Tony was the epitome of a gentleman, devoted husband and father, and friend. He was ornery and loved to tease people he loved. Tony also loved a good game of cards or dominoes with his family and friends. A man often described as genuine, honesty, integrity and kindness were qualities that Tony embodied every day of his life. His legacy is evident in his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Tony Gabel to the Center Street Methodist Church, 402 East Center Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401, or your charity of choice.

A memorial service was held at Center Street Methodist Church in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on Dec. 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Muffley Funeral Home, (575)762-4435, www.muffleyfuneralhome.co m