Thomas Harold Gable

The older of two boys, Thomas Harold Gable Jr. was born on the North Dakota side of Fairview, March 23, 1932 to Claudine "Sammie" (Schulenberg) and Ferdinand "Tom" Gable Sr. He attended school in Fairview until the 11th grade. At age 16, Tom's love and devotion to agriculture permitted him to work on the family farm for the rest of his life. Tom and Belva Jean were united in marriage December 30, 1952. They made their home on the family farm and were blessed with a daughter, Debbie. Hard work, preservation and the true love of farming and cattle gave Debbie and many nieces and nephews the opportunity to work side by side with Tom. He was a natural teacher and was proud to share his knowledge. There were many from the next generation of family and friends that learned their welding skills from Tom. He was a master welder. After the death of Belva Jean, Tom and Aneta met and were married March 15, 1978. Together, Tom and Aneta spent countless hours driving the country side admiring the crops and viewing cattle. The blue silos on the skyline of the valley will forever be a signature of Tom Gable as well as his cowboy hat. Family said Tom was always more cowboy than farmer. Though, he excelled in both. Three weeks ago, at age 82, Tom was still operating the tractor to make improvements on his farm. During his school years, Tom was often called upon to be the movie projector operator when the school offered movies to the students. As an adult, Tom was a co-owner of Valley View Feedlot. He served on the board of directors of Fairview School, Fairview Cemetery and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Tom was a member of both the Elks and the Moose for over 50 years. He often stated he was the only one paying dues for that many years and never attended a meeting. Tom passed away quietly in his home, Thursday, July 24, 2014. Tom is survived by his wife, Aneta; his daughter, Debbie (Dan) Bearce, Buford, ND; granddaughter, Jill (Nathon) Zander, Williston, ND and their children, Dru, Jovi, and Jett; grandson, Marty Bearce, Williston, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Belva Jean; parents, Tom and Claudine; and brother, Corky Gable.