David John Gabriel Iii

David J. Gabriel III., age 75 of Topeka, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2014 at a Kansas City, MO hospital. David was born February 11, 1939 in the Gabriel home in Topeka to David J. “Duke” and Reta Higgins Gabriel. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1957, Clark’s Business College and then attended Washburn University. He married Judith Ann Sherman June 6, 1959 in Topeka. He was associated with his grandfather and father in the Gabriel Lumber business for 12 years. Later he worked for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad for 32 ½ years (started with Santa Fe August 23, 1965). David was a member of the Transportation Communication International Union, a board member of the Topeka North Outreach and had been a Fellowship Chairman of the North Topeka Sunrise Optimist. He was a 4-H leader for many years and for many years taught adult Sunday school class. David and Judy were attending Bethel Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Judy of over 55 years; his mother, Reta Gabriel of Topeka; a son, David Jeffrey (Jane) Gabriel of Topeka; a daughter, Marlene Denise (Scot) Muellner of Olathe; a brother, Ronald Gabriel of Topeka and 7 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. He will lie in state Thursday from noon – 8:00 p.m. with visitation from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Penwell Gable Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission or the Johnson Cancer Research Center and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com.