Jerry Gene Gabbert, 88, went to meet his heavenly Father on August 28, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He was born to Eddy Oscar and Ruby Murle (Russell) Gabbert on September 2, 1934, in Enid, Oklahoma.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Eddie Russell Gabbert; and his parents-in-law: William Bruce Folks and Burnice Doris (Andres) Folks.
He attended Putnam Elementary School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Sequoyah Elementary, Cleveland Junior High and Will Rogers High School all in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in 1952. He attended A & M College in Stillwater and Tulsa University.
He served three years in the United States Army, two years on the island of Okinawa as a Morse Code Intercept Operator.
Jerry began his business career in 1959 with the Tulsa Police Department where he remained for twenty years as a radio dispatcher and dispatch supervisor, retiring in December 1979. He then worked for Southwestern Computing Company for seven years. Then he returned to the City of Tulsa as a Technical Advisor for the 911 system and tracked radios for the Police Department, he retired again in October 1996. He thoroughly enjoyed retirement.
Throughout his life, his devotion to God came first and he served faithfully in each of the churches he attended: Second Baptist Church, Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church, and Woodland Acres Baptist Church all of Tulsa, OK., and Evergreen Baptist Church of Bixby, OK where he was a charter member. His love for family came next. He enjoyed being a Husband, a Father, and a "Pawpaw". He and his beloved wife, Wilma, were married 63 years. He enjoyed whistling and entertaining his family and friends with his unique talent. He will truly be missed!
He is survived by his wife: Wilma Bernice (Folks) Gabbert; two sons: Dr. Michael D. Gabbert and wife, Diane and Mark J. Gabbert and wife, Leslie; nine grandchildren: Julie Diane Meyers and husband, Scott, Jay Spencer Gabbert, Taylor James Gabbert and wife, Abigail, Andrew William Gabbert and wife, Joy, Peter Grant Gabbert and wife, Kylah, Megan Leigh Schlagel and husband, Daniel, Lana Katherine Michael Ferguson and husband, Ethan, Jasmine Elizabeth Gabbert and Charlie Grace Gabbert; eleven great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Charles Wayne Folks and his wife, Sheryl. Three nieces and their husbands.
Jerry was our rock. He was always ready with a hug for everyone. His wisdom, sense of humor and perseverance will be missed. His legacy will live on as we take up his challenge: "May you see yourself and your purpose more clearly. May you always do your best and reach your full potential more nearly. May you love our God more dearly. God is so good!" Jerry enjoyed life!
Viewing will be 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31st at Moore's Memory Chapel 1403 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma with visitation from 6-8 p.m.
Celebration of Life will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 1st at Evergreen Baptist Church 10301 East 111th Street Bixby, Oklahoma.