Jeffrey Gabriel "Gabe"

Jeffrey Lynn Gabriel Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Jeff was born on January 28, 1948, to Harvie and Pauline Gabriel in Hagerstown, Maryland. He grew up with his sister, Cheryl, and began a life that would be filled with family, friends, coaching, animals, and more stories than anyone could ever count.

Jeff proudly enlisted in the United States Army on June 27, 1968, and served as a Military Police officer. In November 1968, he was sent to Vietnam, where he served his country. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1971.

After returning home from the military, Jeff began his career with the Montgomery County Police Department on July 12, 1971. He spent more than 20 years serving his community and worked his way from police officer to detective before retiring on April 7, 1993.

It was while working as a police officer that Jeff happened to pull over a beautiful brunette named Linda. Luckily for all of us, that traffic stop turned into something much more. Jeff and Linda fell in love and were married on March 24, 1979. Four years later, they were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple for time and all eternity. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with five children: Samantha, J.J., Josh, Sarah, and Ashley. Their family was the center of Jeff’s life, and he loved being a husband, dad, and, later, a grandpa.

In 1993, Jeff and Linda moved their family to Logan, Utah, where they continued to build their life together.

One of the biggest parts of Jeff's life was coaching girls basketball. While living in Maryland, he coached girls basketball at Middletown High School. After moving to Utah, he continued coaching at Logan High School. Most recently, he had the opportunity to coach his two granddaughters' basketball team, which was something very special to him.

Jeff coached girls basketball for a total of 29 years. But to say he simply “coached basketball” doesn’t come close to describing what he meant to the girls he coached. He shaped young women into confident people, teaching them discipline, resilience, teamwork, and how to believe in themselves. He showed up for them in ways that went far beyond the court, becoming a mentor, a role model, and often a father figure. He didn’t just teach the game—he helped them grow into who they were becoming.

Over those 29 years, he touched the lives of countless girls and families, and many of those relationships lasted long after the final buzzer.

Jeff also had a huge love for animals. Growing up, our family always had dogs and cats, and they were always a part of our family. But his love for animals went far beyond the pets we had at home. Jeff loved all animals and had a soft spot for all of God's creatures (except snakes). Animals seemed to know that he was a good guy, too.

In just a few moments with Jeff, anyone could clearly see that he was caring, generous, and funny. He always had a story to tell, could talk to just about anyone, and he was always willing to share a story—whether you had asked for one or not. He had a way of making people laugh, making people feel welcome, and turning an ordinary conversation into something you would remember.

More than anything, Jeff loved his family. He was a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend, and he leaves behind a family who loved him deeply.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Harvie and Pauline Gabriel; his sister, Cheryl; and his brother-in-law, Allen.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his five children, Samantha (Mark), J.J. (Katie), Josh (Kristen), Sarah (Josh), and Ashley (Nate); 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

There are so many people who were lucky enough to have Jeff touch their lives, and each of them has their own story about him. His stories, his jokes, his love of basketball, his love of animals, and the way he cared about people will be missed more than words can say.

We are going to miss you, Dad.

Funeral services for Jeff will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at White Pine Funeral Home 753 S. 100 E. Logan, Utah 84321. A viewing will be held from 10:00–11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cache Humane Society.

To view funeral service live via ZOOM, click the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81202172868