Obituary of Isaac "Ike" Gabbard

Former Mayor of Independence, Isaac “Ike” Gabbard, 89, of Walton, KY, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Boone Springs Nursing Facility in Union. The son of the late Wayne and Golden {Little}, Ike was born in Mt. Sterling, KY, on September 29, 1934. Ike married the love of his life, Barbara {Giles} on January 24, 1959.

Earlier in his career, Ike was an over the road truck driver for Queen City Dinets and other companies before going on to own and operate his own trucking business for over 20 years, Transport Safety Consultants. He was a Police Officer with the Glendale, CA Police Department and was the former Mayor of Independence between 1994 and 1997. During his years as Mayor, he developed a special relationship with the Independence Police Department of which he was proud of. Former Chief of Police for the City of Independence, Tony Lucas, said, "As mayor, Ike was instrumental in implementing early technologies, including the first computer, as well as needed equipment and additional officers to the city's police department."

Ike was a former minister at Morning View Methodist Church, and he attended Calvary Baptist Church for over 40 years. Ike enjoyed golfing, exploring new areas in his pick-up truck, and visiting his all-time favorite restaurant, Log Cabin Inn.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Gabbard; children Earl (Lisa) Gabbard, Renee Bubetz, Tracey Braun, and David Gabbard; nine grandchildren Kristen, Sara, Tiffany, Sam, Sarah, Gabriel, Andrew, Nicholas, and Jacob; and six great-grandchildren Archer, Eric, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Haddie, and Lexi.

In addition to his parents, Ike was preceded in death by his sister Lena Williams; grandson Paul J. Braun; daughter-in-law Sandy Gabbard; and son-in-law Paul R. Braun.

A visitation will be held between 10 AM and 12 PM with the funeral service to begin immediately after the visitation at 12 PM on Wednesday, October 18^th at Calvary Baptist Church, 3711 Tibbatts St, Covington, KY 41015. He will be laid to rest at Independence Cemetery following his service. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.