Roy Gable

Robert Roy Gable, 74, of Oak Ridge passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, after a lengthy battle with an illness.

He was born Jan. 18, 1939, in St. Louis, to Joseph and Kathryn Allison Gable. On June 26, 1966, he married Elizabeth Ann Ramsey of Marble Hill, Mo.

Roy was a graduate of Lutesville High School where he was active in FFA, serving as chapter vice president, and on the state dairy judging team.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

Roy worked for Midwest Pipefitting Co. (Division of Crane) in St. Louis nine years before moving back to Southeast Missouri, where he worked for Procter & Gamble until retiring in 1995. He farmed his entire life and had a passion for raising and showing cattle. He spent his retirement years active on a cattle farm in Oak Ridge raising registered Simmental cattle.

He was a member of Burfordville Baptist Church, West View Masonic Lodge 103, lifetime member of American Simmental Association, member of Missouri Cattlemen's Association, and active in the SEMO Cattlemen's Association where he served as a representative to the state board. He was also an avid supporter of agricultural youth programs including 4-H and FFA and received the Missouri State FFA honorary degree.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Elizabeth Gable of Oak Ridge; a daughter, Stephanie Gable of St. Peters, Mo.; a sister, Delores Gable; a brother, John Gable; a sister-in-law, Rose Gable, all of Marble Hill, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Wanda Ramsey of Puxico, Mo.; a niece; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents; a brother, Joe Gable; mother-in-law, Alveda Baker Ramsey Russell; father-in-law, Lloyd Ramsey; and brothers-in-law, Wesley Ramsey and Russell Ramsey.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. A Masonic service will be at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Irvin Brooks officiating. Interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Agribusiness Educational Foundation, c/o Roy Gable Scholarship, 11020 King St., Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.