Donald Richard Otto Gable

Bossier City, LA - On November 13, 2016, retired US Air Force Major Donald Richard Otto Gable, age 84, was freed of the constraints that Alzheimer's had placed on his mind and body. Like one of the model airplanes that he built and flew, he is now free to fly away and join his one love, Ruby. Don, the oldest of seven children, was born in Fairview, North Dakota, on August 13, 1932 to Otto and Bertha (Bieber) Gable. The family moved to Hardin, MT in 1939 and started a dairy farm. Don graduated from Hardin High School in 1952 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana in 1963. He served honorably in the US Air Force for almost 21 years. During his time in the Air Force, the family lived in Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, the Philippines, Maryland, Ohio, and Louisiana. After retirement, Don worked as an internal IRS auditor for the State of Louisiana. In the eighth grade, Don met the love of his life Ruby. They began their 49 years of marriage in December of 1952, before Ruby was called home in 2001. Don joined the Bossier Sheriff's Posse in 1995 and enjoyed volunteering his time across the parish with fellow posse members until his illness. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and participated in the Legion of Honor Unit of the El Karubah Shrine Temple. He volunteered countless hours at the Children's Hospital. A couple of his interests were aviation and model kit building. He earned his pilot's license at the age of 16. He built and flew many model airplanes. He and his son also built a Kelmark kit car together. His other hobbies included golfing, bowling, skiing, and traveling. Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby; his infant daughter, Linda; his parents Bertha and Otto; and three siblings, Lloyd, Dale, and Lillian. Don is survived by daughter, Diana (Michael) Tyvand of Meridian, ID; son, Richard (Lisa) Gable from Bossier City; daughter, Sandy (Steve) Vicks from Bossier City; siblings, Rose (Gerald) Williams from Casper, WY, Ruth (Larry) Propp of Forsyth, MT, and Tim (Vicki) Gable of Billings, MT; his five grandchildren Jessica Tyvand, Zachary Tyvand, Matthew Gable, Devin Vicks, and Sarah Woods; and his great grandson Mason Woods. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at the Pilkinton cemetery in Benton, Louisiana. Memorial donations may be made to The Shriners Hospital, 3100 Samford Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103.