Robert Lynn Abel Sr

Robert Lynn Abel, Sr., 91, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 18, 2016. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, on September 13, 1924, the son of the late Albert Linne and Clarice (Radcliffe) Abel.

He graduated from Coshocton High School in 1942, and then from The Ohio State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War 11 as a meteorologist in Saipan. Bob was a lifelong resident of Coshocton, Ohio, and was employed with the Ohio Department of Transportation as a Professional Engineer and Professional Surveyor for over 35 years. After his retirement from ODOT, he served four years as Coshocton County Engineer 1990-1993. He spent his entire life in public service. Bob was a member of Coshocton Elks Lodge 376, Knights of Columbus 994, American Legion Post 65, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

On October 23, 1953, he married Theresa Marie Fagan, who preceded him in death in 2004. Bob enjoyed family, cookouts, meeting friends, yard work, concrete products, and traveling with his wife throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Coshocton, and Padre Island, Texas. He was a true gentleman, known for his sense of humor, generosity, and love of family.

He is survived by his five children: Robert L. Abel, Jr. (the late Lynne Fowler) of Coshocton, Ohio, James Damion Abel of Leesburg, Ga. Mary (Gary) Parsons of Hummelstown, Pa. Albert Joseph Abel (Christina Wiley) of Coshocton, Ohio, and John Owen Abel (Yajaira Ortiz) of Grove City, Ohio, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Kelsey Renee, Karley Lynn, A. Joseph, Brian Thomas, Katie Lee, Callahan Sara, Braelynn, Haven, and one to be named, a sister-in-law, Mary Katherine Abel of Sun City, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 10:30am in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coshocton, Ohio, officiated by Father Homer Blubaugh. Burial will follow in South Lawn Cemetery, where the Coshocton County Veterans Council will conduct graveside military rites. The family will greet friends and neighbors at Given-Dawson Funeral Home, 186 Park Ave. Coshocton, Ohio, on Monday, February 22, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00pm on Monday at the funeral home.

For those who wish contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 805 Main St. Coshocton, Ohio, 43812.