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

Christian 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. His family questioned whether he was the best or the luckiest fisherman, as he could out fish any of them. 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, while bopping his head along to some Katy Perry, that part was unique to Christian rather than 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. Once he put his mind to it, it was going to happen and it was going to be the best thing ever. Christian 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. He was greeted in Heaven by a host of family, friends, and loved ones waiting to be reunited with him. Those that survive him, know they will see him again.

A visitation for Christian will be held on Tuesday, April 28th from 5-7 PM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral Service for Christian will be held on Wednesday, April 29th, at 1 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with a burial to follow at Pleasant View Cemetery located in Elkland, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Christian’s 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, please) to:

Missouri Department of Conservation
Donations
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180