Gabriel Planas, Jr.

Gabriel Planas, Jr., age 97, of Mankato and formerly of Jarrell, TX, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1928, in San Antonio, Tex., to Gabriel and Margaret Twitty “Maggie” (Hudsbeth) Planas and grew up in San Antonio.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1946 in San Antonio, reenlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1948, and retired in 1966 as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. He was united in marriage to Peggy Ellis on March 10, 1967, in San Antonio. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage together. After his retirement from the military, Gabriel worked in the retail jewelry industry for 24 years. He also worked for Boeing in St. Charles, La., for several years, and proudly served as a postman for the local school district. He and Peggy moved to Mankato in late 2018 to be closer to family. Gabriel also loved to go fishing with his family and friends.

Gabriel is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; children, Gabriel Planas III, Marie (Bill) Cooper, Patrick (Patricia) Planas, George Planas, and Jason (Leanne) Planas; eleven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Eugene Planas; daughter, Kathy Planas; his parents and seven siblings.

Burial with military honors will take place at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Tex., at a later date.