Gabriel Blattner

Gabriel Blattner of Rogers, Ark., was born Dec. 3, 1972, to Frank and Virginia Blattner, and departed this life on Jan. 20, 2013, due to natural causes. While growing up, Gabe was a precocious and mischievous little boy who always kept his parents on their toes. He was a black-belt at a very early age competing in numerous tournaments, and an accomplished dirt bike and motocross racer while in his early teens. Gabe graduated from Bryan High School in Bryan, Texas, upon which he served four years in the U.S. Navy and attended Blinn College after his release from the Navy. Gabe lived in many states but ultimately settled in Rogers, Ark., and had been employed by Freedom Fire Pro LLC for five years. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John D. Carr Sr. and Inez Virginia Carr; his parents, Major Frank J. Blattner, USAF (Ret.), and Virginia Inez Blattner; and his aunt, Joyce Gail Carr. Gabe was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, fish and hunt, especially with his best friend, Anthony Breazeal. Gabe is survived by his uncle, John D. Carr Jr. of Edmond, Okla.; cousin, Shelia Carr and her daughter, Aubrei Woods, of Bryan, Texas; cousin, Brodie Carr of Edmond, Okla.; his "adopted" family, the Breazeals; and his sister, Toby Woodson and family; ex-wife, Nicole Rogers; former fiancee, Shannon Carpenter. Gabe also leaves behind his two beloved and treasured cats, Archie and Blue. We will all miss him and cherish our memories of Gabe. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel in Rogers, Ark., with Pastor James Longmate officiating. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made at stockdalefuneral.com.