Arlen Arthur Gabriel

We are saddened to announce the passing of Arlen Arthur Gabriel, of Eudora, Kansas, who passed away at the age of 78, on January 9, 2024, at the St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Overland Park, Kansas.

Arlen was born in Lawrence, Kansas on June 10, 1945, to Arthur and Alberta Bell Gabriel. He grew up with his parents and sister, Belva Gabriel-Thrasher, in De Soto, Kansas, all of whom proceeded him in death. He leaves behind a nephew, Jon Kobler (De Soto, KS), and niece, Kelley Kobler-Chapman (Bret, Lenexa, KS) as well as a great niece, Katelyn Chapman (Overland Park, KS) and great nephew, Jacob Chapman (Dallas, TX). Arlen was also proceeded in death in 2000 by his beloved wife, Nancy Charles Gabriel, who left behind two children, Dane Petersen (Jill, Kansas City, MO) and Christie Kairos (Sunny, Portland, OR).

Arlen graduated from De Soto High School in 1963 where he excelled at sports and as an honor roll student. He later graduated from the University of Kansas, with a Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in Business. Arlen also spent 4 years in the Army in service to his country during the Vietnam War.

Arlen was also known as the “voice of the wildcats”. He started announcing for the DHS football team when he was a junior in high school, and did so for the next 25 years.

Arlen also had a long and successful career in the banking industry. He was the President, CEO, and Chair of the DeSoto State Bank. Arlen was also heavily involved with the Community Bankers Association and was a true champion of community banks. He was an unwavering supporter who dedicated himself to serving on all CBA committees and served as CBA Chairman in 1993 to 1994.

Arlen loved the state of Kansas and loved to travel. Over the years, he put those two things together and visited every county in the state of Kansas. Many of those trips were with his best friend of 75 years, Phil Kraus. Arlen enjoyed playing softball and golf for many years. Over the years, he took many golf trips with Phil and his other buddies to enjoy some of the best golf courses around the country. Arlen was a loyal fan of the University of Kansas and their football and basketball teams. He was never short on insight about a recent Jayhawk game, and always had the inside scoop on new recruits.

Arlen was a kind, witty, generous, and fun-loving man, who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a devoted husband, a supportive brother, and a caring uncle and friend.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, January 27th,at the Baptist Church in De Soto, Kansas, at 8655 Copeland Way, De Soto, KS 66018, followed by a short service at 11:00 AM.

We will always remember Uncle Arlen’s warmth, humor, and wisdom. He will be in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to KU Endowment for the benefit of the KU School of Business. Please make checks payable to “KU Endowment” and send them to the following address (please note “In Memory of Arlen A. Gabriel” in the memo portion of your check).