Carol (Deel) Gabbard Obituary

Carol Marie (Deel) Gabbard, the daughter of Jacob and Sylvia (Drake) Deel, was born March 10th, 1940, in French Lick, Indiana. She grew up in Charlestown, Indiana and graduated with the class of 1958. She passed peacefully on July 12th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

An inscription in Carol’s high school yearbook read, “Good things come in small packages”. She was petite in stature but bold in spirit. Carol devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children and grandchildren. She delighted in sharing stories of their lives and accomplishments, always careful to celebrate each one equally when asked about any particular grandchild.

Carol was a member of the First Baptist Church of Charlestown, Indiana and enjoyed helping with the FBC youth group.

She took pride in being a dedicated "band mom," always eager to lend a hand and chaperone on band trips. In later years, when she was no longer able to volunteer physically, she continued to support others by giving generously to those in need.

A proud, lifelong resident of Indiana, she embraced her Hoosier roots with great joy. She took special pride in learning that her ancestors were among the earliest settlers of the state. Her loyalty to Indiana ran deep, and she was an avid supporter of the Indiana University men’s basketball team, cheering them on through good times and bad.

Carol is survived by her son Jeffrey Brown (Laura) Gabbard of Mooresville, IN; daughter Melinda (David) Dieterlen of Otisco, IN; grandchildren: Jacob (Victoria) Gabbard of West Orange NJ, Ethan Gabbard of Kokomo, IN, Dylan Gabbard of Kokomo, IN, Christian Dieterlen of Otisco, IN and Olivia Dieterlen of Otisco IN; and great granddaughter Poppy Gabbard of West Orange, NJ.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Jack Gabbard, infant sister Virginia Deloris Deel and sisters Doris Sue Robinson, Wanita Muriel Oswalt and Jeannie Louise High.

Pastor Shea Allen will conduct a Life Celebration Service at 2:00 pm. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown with burial in Emmanuel Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:00 until the time of the service.