Gabler

Milton Henry Gabler, 71, died peacefully while at home in Flatonia on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. Milton was born on Oct. 18, 1945 to Alfred C. Gabler and Elsa (Dieringer) Gabler. He grew up on the family farm in Freyburg, working the fields and tending to livestock with his siblings. Milton was a 1964 graduate of Schulenburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965 and was able to “see the world.” Milton volunteered to patrol the coast of Vietnam and worked on a mine sweeping vessel, the USS Persistent. He was also a crew member of the USS Fort Snelling for a brief period. In 1969, Milton was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to the Schulenburg area. Milton held positions at Carnation Milk Products and later became a foreman at Double B Foods for several years. He then purchased a wholesale candy business which became Gabler’s Candy Company. For years, he travelled Fayette and adjoining counties delivering candy and sweets to businesses, and became known to many as “the candy man.” In the early 1980’s, Milton became co-owner of Gabler’s Catering Service which filled his weekends due to it’s overwhelming success. In what little spare time he had, Milton worked tirelessly as a member and later as Commander of the Schulenburg American Legion McBride Post #143 for several years. In 1985 he was selected as Vice-Commander for the 9th District of the State of Texas American Legion. In 1987, Milton was elected as the District Commander for the same 9th District. He held that office until 1989 and was a member of many district and state Legion committees. After marrying Betty (Rebecek) Otto in 1987, he moved to Flatonia and became a member of the Flatonia American Legion Post #94. Milton was extremely proud of his military service and loved his country immensely. In addition to the American Legion, he was a member of the VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled Veterans of America. He enjoyed meeting new  people and was known for his hearty laugh. Milton would make it a challenge to not leave until everyone was laughing and in a better mood than when he showed up. His favorite pastime was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Betty Gabler of Flatonia as well as his children; Jenny Gabler of Schulenburg, Jeff Gabler and wife Robin of Cedar Park, Jason Gabler and his beloved Bodette Vavrusa of Columbus, Michael Otto and wife Lorrie of Praha, Ronna Cotton and husband John of Missouri City, Jacqueline “Jackie” Duran and husband Raymond of Victoria and Louis Alfred (LA) Gabler and wife Lindsay of Columbus. He leaves behind 16 grand-children and six great grand-children. Surviving siblings include Atlin Gabler and wife Dorothy, Lawrence Gabler and wife Brenda, Lloyd Gabler and wife Shirley, Janice Hogg Fonokalafi and husband Inoke and Steve Gabler and wife Sylvia. Milton was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Quinton Gabler and Alfred J. Gabler, as well as an infant granddaughter, Ava Renee Gabler. A Memorial/Celebration of life will be held for Milton on Saturday, May 13 at the American Legion Hall in Flatonia. Military honors will begin at 2 p.m. and friends and family are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy  he afternoon with fellowship and laughter.