John Clyde Gabbard, age 58, of Mt Vernon, passed away peacefully at 6:55pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon, with his family by his side.
He was born Saturday, May 6, 1967 in Rochelle, Illinois, a son of Judy Ann (Keen) and John Nance Garner Gabbard.
John leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and redemption. He was a proud co-owner of Gabbard and Sons, a painting and roofing business he built alongside his father. John made a conscious effort to reconnect with his family and rebuild relationships that mattered most. Though his journey was not without its challenges, he worked tirelessly to be a better father and friend, and his love and commitment to those he cared about grew stronger with each passing day. John’s passions were as diverse as they were intense – he was a metalhead at heart, blasting heavy metal music; a master of the foosball table; and a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan. He loved nothing more than hitting the open road, country cruising, or spending a lazy day fishing on the lake. He was a free spirit, always living life on his own terms and encouraging those around him to do the same.
He is survived by his daughter- Ashley McTaggart of Mt. Vernon; daughter- Brooke Harris of Mt. Vernon; son- Jordan Michael French of Los Angeles, California; mother and father- Judy and John Gabbard of Sims; four grandchildren- Kloee Gabbard, Kaylon Gabbard, Adalynn McTaggart, and John McTaggart; sister- Cindy (Herman) Willett of Fairfield; nephew- Steve (Jill) Brooks of Evansville; niece- Christon (Blake) Spurlock; great nieces and nephew- Kinley, Mercedes, and Dokken; and several aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his infant brother- Larry Gabbard, great niece- Monae, and his brother-in-law- Steve Brooks.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Sims School, 201 railroad Street, Sims, Illinois. A meal and fellowship will follow, where friends and family can share memories and express condolences. Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, Queen-Boggs Chapel, in Centralia, is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-532-7321 for more information.
