Gilbert "Gabe" Laverne Deal

Gilbert “Gabe” Laverne Deal, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 at Goshen Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born on July 19, 1938, in Galesburg, Illinois, Gabe was the son of Cress Gilbert Deal and Grace (Lowder) Deal.

Gabe spent many years working as a truck driver and dispatcher. After retiring from driving, he was a substitute teacher in the Middlebury Community School District, both professions in which he took great pride. In addition to his professional life, Gabe had deep faith and a generous heart. He served as a children’s and adult Sunday school teacher for many years, sharing his love of scripture and making a lasting impact on the lives of those he taught.

Gabe was a man who deeply valued family and the bonds that make it strong. During his first marriage to Patricia Darlene West, they welcomed three daughters together: Kathy (Greg) Utley, Christine Krasner (deceased), and Pamela Sparks (deceased).

Later, Gabe welcomed five additional children: Kathyjo Tesini, Tammy (Robert) Czarnecki, Thomas Deal, and Gilbert L. Deal, Jr.

In his later years, Gabe shared his life with his beloved long-time companion, Carol Harman, who preceded him in death. For nearly 25 years, he was a steadfast presence in the lives of Carol’s children: Cindy (Phil Roth) Hayes, Cristi (John) Ganyard, and Jon (Katy) Harman.

Gabe’s legacy lives on through his large and loving family, including 29 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He is also survived by his sisters, Alma (Bob) Kitchen and Kathleen Dean. He was preceded in death by his sisters Barbara McCleary and Janice McCraner, and his brothers James Carlson and Wayne Deal.

Gabe will be remembered for his love of history and historical landmarks; his abiding faith, nourished by his grandparents, Alonzo Deal and Dallas (Grigsby) Deal; and his adoration and mentorship of his grandchildren. He leaves behind a family rooted in love and strengthened by his guidance.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Gabe.

A visitation will take place Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral service, both at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN. Burial will take place immediately following at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on the zoom app or Hahn website using meeting ID 5742551474.  https://zoom.us/join

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