Michael L.D. Gamblian

Michael Gamblian, 51, of Parsons, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Freeman West in Joplin.

Michael Lewis Dow Gamblian was born on December 5, 1972, to Luther Gamblian, Sr. and Diana Mae (Mulligan) Gamblian in Parsons.  He grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School.

He worked at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for 10 years, before retiring due to a work-related injury.

Over the years, Michael was a firefighter for Labette County Fire District #9.  At the time of his retirement from the department, he was the assistant chief.  He had been a member of the Kansas State Firefighters Association.

His family was the center of his life and spending time with his grandchildren was one of his favorite things in life.  He enjoyed going fishing and was a huge New Orleans Saints fan.

Michael and Zella Louise Hopkins were united in marriage.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include:

Four children – Joseph Shallington of Parsons, Kansas

Andrew Jones of Parsons, Kansas

Bennie Fennell of Bolivar, Missouri

Shaila Gamblian and her husband, Steven Anderson, of Altamont, Kansas

Four grandchildren

His mother – Diana Gamblian

Three siblings – Dorinda Gobin of Parsons, Kansas

Luther Gamblian, Jr. and his wife, Alice, of Parsons, Kansas

Sara Amburgey and her husband, Christopher, of Overland Park, Kansas

His father-in-law – Ronald L. Wilson

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Gamblian, Sr.; his mother-in-law, Rosetta Wilson; and his brother-in-law, Darrel Gobin.

The graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Springhill Cemetery in Parsons.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Kansas State Firefighter's Association or to benefit his grandson's education with checks made payable to Zella Gamblian.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.