CHAPIN – A memorial service for Albert “Abbie” Eugene Widner, 90, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 at St. Peter Lutheran Church “Pineywoods” in Chapin, SC. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Abbie was born February 20, 1923 in St. Marys, OH and passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2013. Abbie was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church “Pineywoods”. He was also a charter member of the American Legion Post 193 Chapin, Mid- Carolina Country Club, Retired Teachers Association of Wisconsin and Several University Alumni Associations. Abbie served his country in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1946. He was a Petty Officer 1st class (electrician/gyroscope tech) serving in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS LCM 370. He received his B.S. from the University of Illinois in 1950 and his M.A. from Arizona State University in 1969. Abbie was a school administrator/teacher/coach in Racine, WI public schools for 34 years. In 1981 Abbie and his family relocated and retired to Chapin, SC. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer and Gamecock fan.
Among his awards and decorations are the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Battle Stars, the Philippine Campaign Medal with one Battle Star, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He received letters of appreciation from President Harry Truman, and Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal. Abbie participated in the first “Honor Flight” from SC.
Surviving are daughters, Kathleen Rubbo (Roderick) of Spring Ranch, TX, Kendra Hawkins (Michael) of Prosperity (Cincinnati) SC (Ohio), Karla Gipson (Thomas) of Wadsworth, Ohio; grandchildren, Andrew Gipson of Minneapolis, MN and Allison Gipson of Wadsworth, OH and Robert Hawkins of Portland, OR; brothers, Dr. George Widner of Chapin, SC and Mary Kuck of New Breman, OH and sister, Nora Winget of Wapakoneta, OH. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Synder Widner and brothers, John and Jim Widner.
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