Thomas "Buster" Gabbert

Thomas Ivan “Buster” Gabbert was born Nov 23, 1925 to Clyde and Thelma Gabbert of Ballinger, Texas. Buster was a graduate of Ballinger High School and a student at Texas A&M University before WWII interrupted his studies. He served his country with pride for 40 years, enlisting while serving in the Corp of Cadets at A&M. He also served in the Army National Guard and the Army National Guard Reserves retiring in 1982 with the rank of Captain. In 1947, Buster joined his father in founding Gabbert Packing Company, which they ran for 31 years.



In 1950, Buster married the love of his life, Jo Beth Forbus, and enjoyed 66 years of wedded bliss. They adored their four children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Upon retirement, he and Jo Beth traveled extensively on more than 20 cruises to countries across the globe. He was a civic leader, active in the Ballinger community for his entire life. Buster had a quick wit and a clever personality, always ready with a made-up song or poem and a history lesson.



Jo Beth and their daughter, Thelma Sue, precede him in death. He is survived by their daughters Deborah (Bill) Radford of Austin and Tommye Jo (John) Patterson of Lufkin, their son George Anthony "Tony" (Mary Beth) of Graham; their grandchildren Glenna (Bech) Bruun of Austin, Melanie (Wes) Edwards of Austin, Trent (Caress) Patterson of Katy, Jill Patterson of Austin, Kalee Gabbert of Graham, step-grandson Kaleb Mayo of Austin; and three great-grandchildren Cilla Kay, Radford and Anne Charlotte Bruun of Austin.



Pallbearers are Bech Bruun, Melanie and Wes Edwards, Trent and Caress Patterson, Jill Patterson, and Kalee Gabbert. Honorary pallbearers are Glenna Bruun and Kaleb Mayo.


Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, March 24, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Rev. Ferris Akins will preside over the 2:00 pm service at Lange Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25. Following the service, Buster will be laid to rest next to Jo Beth at Garden of Memories in Ballinger.