Eric Michael Gabbard, 36, of Sullivan, peacefully passed away at 7:15 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 in his residence.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Eric was born October 12, 1989 in Decatur, the son of Michael Gabbard and Debra Creek. He was a woodworker for Monarch Manufacturing in Sullivan. Eric graduated from Oakland High School
Eric’s hobbies and passions included spending as much time as he could with his kids and his dogs. Eric had a huge heart of gold that loved deeply, and everybody that knew him well, felt the love he gave. That favor was returned by many, as he was greatly loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and his presence will be remembered forever.
Surviving are his lifetime partner Haylee Polk of Sullivan; children Giselle Randall, Tristyn Gabbard, Saveah Gabbard and Ari Gabbard, all of Sullivan; mother Debra (Tony) Creek of Sullivan; father Michael Gabbard of Arthur; grandmother Darlene Phillips of Atwood; grandfather Robert Gabbard of Camargo; brothers Steven Hutchcraft (Sarah Chain) of Peoria, Chris Creek (Devanne Lawson) of Charleston, Ethan (Amy) Gilbert of Sullivan; sisters Samantha Gabbard of Arthur, Anglea Gilbert of Portage, Indiana and Jessica (Cory) Gibson of Tuscola.
Eric was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather, uncle Bill and cousin Darcy.
