Christian Ray Gaba

Christian Ray Gaba, 19, of Brookline passed away on April 21, 2026, at Cox South Hospital. He was born to Jimmy Gaba and Dawn Comeau on May 12, 2006 in Springfield, where they continued to raise him through the years.

He was employed as an underground utilities lineman, always recognizable by his dirt caked pants. As a man who worked to live, rather than lived to work, he would have much rather spent his time fishing, which also would probably explain the dirt always on his pants. Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than being out on the water with a rod and reel. He was even granted a scholarship by the National Youth Fishing Association, and participated on his school’s fishing team, where he earned various commendations. 

The only thing he loved as much as tossing out a fishing line was feeling the wind on his face riding his motorcycle, a love he shared with his dad Jimmy. Christian will be remembered as a bright light of excitement about whatever he had on his mind. He was often described by others as the most positive person with the best can-do attitude. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love with his high school sweetheart, Lyla Harskey, whom he built a life with, no matter how short. He also leaves behind his parents, Dawn Comeau and Joel, Jimmy Gaba and Yvette Gotmer; his brothers Keytan Comeau, Landyn Gaba and Isaiha Gaba; one sister, Dessalynn Gaba; grandparents Rose Fuqua, Joan Swearengin, Vonda Gotmer, and Debra Andrews; and aunts and uncles Amanda Huskey, Jessie Klinge, Jacob Thimesch and Mardee Thimesch. 

A visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with a burial to follow at Pleasant View Cemetery located in Elkland.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his memory to Missouri Department of Conservation.
Your donation will help the department provide Missourians with more conservation lands, programs and education for generations to come. It can also establish a conservation tribute to a special person’s love of outdoor Missouri. Send donations (check or money order – no cash) to:Missouri Department of Conservation
Donations, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.