Stephen David Gabbard

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dad, Stephen David Gabbard, who left us on July 27, 2025, at the age of 77.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 2, 1948, he was the son of Carl and Betty Gabbard (née Overbey). He was preceded in death by our mom, Diane Gabbard (née Enxel), his wife of 51 years, his parents, and his sister, Carla Line.

Dad lived a life grounded in love, loyalty, and community. He is survived by us—his three sons: Hoss (Denise), Jeoffrey (Stacie), and Jacob (Tiffany); his brother and sister in law, Jeff & Betty Gabbard; his grandchildren: Alison, Stephen “Bo”, Carl, Alex, Quinn, Bobbi, and Lincoln; and his great-grandchildren Jack, Reagan and Ethan.

To us, he was more than a father, he was a coach, a mentor, a storyteller, a quiet source of strength, and, above all, our biggest supporter. He taught us what it means to show up for the people you love, to work hard, and to never take yourself too seriously.

Dad gave so much of himself to youth sports in Northern Kentucky. He was a former member of the Erlanger Lions and the Northern Kentucky Football League. He helped build something lasting—not just teams, but character in young athletes. He was proud to be a charter member of both the Erlanger Lions Youth Sports Hall of Fame and the Northern Kentucky Football League Hall of Fame. But if you asked him, he’d just smile and say he was lucky to be around good people.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the same location. Dad will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery Chapel in Ft. Mitchell.

In honor of Dad’s generous heart, memorial contributions can be made to The ALS Association or the Erlanger Lions Club—two causes that meant a lot to him.

We’ll miss him every day, but we’re grateful for the example he set and the love he gave us so freely…