Matthew Clayborn (Sassu) Gabbard, 45, of McKee passed away on Tuesday June 23, 2026, in Berea Kentucky. He was born on March 28, 1981, in Springfield, Ohio to the late Bruce Charles Gabbard Jr. and Debby Gail Gabbard.
He is survived by his wife Debra (Newman) Gabbard and his five children Zander Gabbard and Samantha Gabbard both of Richmond, Emma Gabbard, Lila Gabbard and Elli Gabbard all of McKee. A brother Michael (Jo-Lynn) Gabbard and a sister Angela Gabbard both of McKee. His grandparents Sadie Virginia Watkins (Junior Agee) of Richmond and Clayborn “Scudder” Pearson (Jenny Lee) of Ashland.
In addition to his parents Matthew was preceded in death by an infant baby and a sister Susan Gail Gabbard.
Funeral services for Matthew will be held at 1 P.M. Tuesday June 30, 2026, with Bro. Levi Moore presiding. Burial will follow in the Abner Cemetery. Pallbearers include Zander Gabbard, Michael Gabbard, Jakob Gabbard, Dougie Pearson, Andrew Johnson and John Morgan.
A visitation will be held on Monday June 29, 2026, at the Lakes Funeral Home Chapel in McKee.
Lakes Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com
