Cover photo for James Lee Gabriel's Obituary
James Lee Gabriel Profile Photo
1922 James 2021

James Lee Gabriel

September 2, 1922 — November 1, 2021

James Lee Gabriel, 99, died peacefully on November 1, 2021, at his home in Indianapolis. He
was born on September 2, 1922, in Crawfordsville, Indiana to Colonel James C. Gabriel and
Mary Frances (Abraham) Gabriel. He had one brother, Robert Martin Gabriel, who passed
away in 2011. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School, Class of 1940, then completed
almost two years at Purdue University before America’s involvement in World War II began.
Like so many of his generation, he enlisted and served with distinction throughout the entire
war, separating as a Staff Sergeant, Army Air Corp. He later accepted an Army Reserve
position, and obtained the rank of Major, Artillery. On July 29,1944, he married Lucie Deranian,
from Indianapolis, and after the war completed his final two years at Purdue. He and Lucie
settled in Indianapolis where he spent the bulk of his career in the insurance industry and later
in the heating and cooling industry. He and Lucie raised three children and were married 50
years, until her death on August 14,1994, in Indianapolis. After Lucie’s passing, he spent time
as a corporate member of the White River Yacht Club in Indianapolis, enjoying boating on the
White River and participating in Club activities and special events.
Blessed with good health even in his later years, he and his partner, Lyle Faust, enjoyed
spending time with their friends and family, especially his three children, Colonel James N.
Gabriel (Kathie) of Spicewood, Texas, Barbara J. Dennis, Franklin, Indiana, and David A.
Gabriel, Indianapolis, his seven grandchildren, Aubrey Gabriel (Amy), Austin, Texas, Stacy
Franklin (Lance), Edmond, Oklahoma, Alan Gabriel (Amanda), Austin, Texas, Aaron Dennis
(Gretchen), Franklin, Indiana, Michael Dennis (Beckie), Golden, Colorado, Keith Dennis
(Debbie), Hood River, Oregon, and David P. Gabriel (Allie), who preceded him in death, and his
twelve great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Indiana Funeral Care, Indianapolis. Services are private.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Lee Gabriel, please visit our flower store.

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