Earnest Gabbard Obituary

From a former EIU student of Gabby and Lucy-- I will never forget Gabby's larger than life persona, and Lucy's sweet kindness. I had Gabby for Voice class (I graduated in 1983), and I was amazed at the difference in my voice after the class. (We were audiotaped the first day of class and at the end, and I didn't even sound like the same person, it was so improved). I had Lucy for Modern Drama, and she led some great discussions! I always loved her gracious manner. I double-majored in Journalism and Theatre, but my first love was always Theatre, and I will always remember Gabby and Lucy with fondness. What a pair!

My sincere condolences on your loss of your dear parents.

Glen and Krin,
As you already know I was priviledged to be cast on one of the plays Gabby directed in 1962.
Only now do I know how much he touched the lives of many students at EIU. His legacy at EIU in the theater department stands alone. He established it and built the foundation for others.
Your loss is our loss; many who were cast in the plays he directed have fond and last memories of him and your mother.

Glen, I am so sorry to hear that your father died. Your father and mother sound like they were amazing people and they certainly produced a wonderful son. Best thoughts to you at this time. Sherry Dickey

All my sympathy to Krin, Glen and your families. Your parents were delightful people and made great contributions to EIU. I didn't know about their later acting experiences and I'm glad to know about that later time in their lives. I have fond memories of our families' time in the barracks when my family (the Gundersons) moved to Charleston around 1948 and my brother Gayne and I were the neighborhood babysitters.

What great, fun memories we all have about Gabby. He was truly unique and always enthusiastic. I'm sure he will be missed at EIU, even after all these years!

I will miss you Gabby. I learned much from you.

Gabby was truly one of a kind. Much of what I teach my young actors is wisdom taken from Gabby. He is sorely missed.

Gabby and Lucy were most kind to us when we came to Charleston and EIU in 1981, and we enjoyed the zen tranquility of their home on many occasions. Their passing leaves the EIU community and us personally diminished. We'll always remember their many kindnesses, and their professional abilities.

Ahtough I wasn't a theatre major back in the early 70s, I hung out with a number of the EIU crew with Gabby at the healm. My singing at the time was atrocious yet Gabby gave me a chance in Bye Bye Birdie during summer stock and used me for comic relief in front of a great quartet. It was my one and only minute to shine on the stage and to this day I appreciate Gabby's generosity. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Les Easter

May God and your memories comfort you. Nancy C. Page

When I first came to EIU in 1958, I
always enjoyed Gabby's conversations
in the faculty groups in the "Panther" at the Union. And my 2nd year at EIU, I rented the Trank house and enjoyed
living next door to Gabby. Also we
happened to be in NYCity and had lunch and an evening with them the week Lucy opened in "Grapes of Wrath"