Gabriel (Gabe) Garland, age 65, of Lake Charles, La., peacefully transitioned on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Gabe was born on September 20, 1956, to parents Leon Garland Sr. and Lessie Malone Garland.

Gabe was a loving, caring, and joyful man who loved his family and friends dearly. Everyone who encountered Gabe always found him smiling, eager to talk, and ready to share details about his day or latest adventures. He was a longtime resident of the Robinswood School until 2020, with his final two years spent living at the Evergreen Home in Vinton, La. Gabe worked several jobs over his lifetime and was very proud of his work. He was also an active participant in the annual Special Olympics, competing and winning regularly in bowling and volleyball. Gabe loved going to the movies, spending time with his family, and the holidays.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Garland Sr. and Lessie Malone Garland.

He is survived by his brothers: Leon Garland, Jr. of Dallas, Tx.; Ray (Dodi) Garland and Herbert (JoAnn) Garland, both of Lake Charles, La.; his sisters: Deloris (Robert) Jones of Lake Charles; Judy Green and Victoria Franklin, both of Houston, Tx. Gabe leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts, all who loved him dearly.