MELVIN O. GABARA

Joe was born Aug. 24, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan to Abraham and Margaret (Williams) Gabara with the family later moving to Alpena. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. On Nov. 25, 1949 he married Lucille Kortman in Rogers City. She preceded him in death in 1993. A longtime businessman in Rogers City, he owned and operated Gabara Motor Sales and was active in the Rogers City Lions Club for many years. Joe was very outgoing, lively and a friend to many.

Surviving are his daughter, Fay (Jerry) Ranville, of Charlevoix, Michigan, his son, Daniel Gabara of Presque Isle, his sister, Mayford (Robert) Meixell of Alpena, his daughter-in-law, Christine Gabara Clark of Rogers City, eight grandchildren; Kristen, Edward Joseph, Steven, Scott, Sam, Andrew, Jamin and Kathryn, nine great-grandchildren; Christopher, Sam, Luke, Elizabeth, Ethan, Tyler, Taylor, Judah, and Johanna. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph, an infant son, Scott and his siblings; Elwood, Eleanor, Merton, George, Fay and Ardith.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 Memorial Park Cemetery in Rogers City with military honors provided by the Rogers City VFW and services by Rev. Derrick Riddle. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to St. John Lutheran School or Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements are in care of his long-time family friends at McWilliams Funeral Home. Online condolences may be registered at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhome.biz