STURGIS, Mich. -- Richard Wayne Gaby, 79, of Sturgis, formerly of Edwardsburg and Logansport, Ind., died at 7 a.m. Monday (Oct. 20, 2008) in his home.

He was born Feb. 11, 1929, in Pulaski County, Ind., to Cecil Alford and Bertha (Croutcher) Gaby. On Jan. 27, 1977, he married Kora Bellaire in LaGrange County, Ind. She died Nov. 16, 2005.

Mr. Gaby is survived by one son, Alan L. (Shiela) Gaby of Edwardsburg; one stepdaughter, Linda Kelly of Elkhart; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Maxine (Howard) Weaver of Idaville, Ind., and Ruth Dold of Newman, Ga.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sandra and Kay Gaby; two brothers, Cecil Jr. and Russell Gaby; and four sisters, Pauline Butch, Ilene Gaby, Jean Frye and Jane Smith.

Mr. Gaby retired after 11 years with Eckert Drugs in Woodward, Texas. He had worked at Miles and Whitehall laboratories and Elkhart Supply Co., all in Elkhart, Ind. Mr. Gaby was a lifelong farmer and a member of Ninth Street United Methodist Church, Three Rivers, Good Sam Club and Yappers Camping Club.

He loved traveling in his motor home and visiting Texas.

Friends may call one hour prior to Friday's 1 p.m. funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Dale Turner will officiate. Burial and graveside services will follow at Olive East Cemetery, Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Three Rivers Home Healthcare and Hospice, 222 S. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.