Joseph Francis Abell

He was born in Phillipsburg, Kentucky on September 6, 1932 to Frank and Mable Lyons Abell. On May 2, 1952, Joe married Elsie Slack and together they had six children. He served in the U.S. Army for almost 23 years, completing one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the military, Joe worked in the Civil Service as an electrician. He was a long time member of Elizabethtown Masonic Lodge and Hardin County Fair Squares. He loved farming, square dancing, and most of all, his animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elsie Slack Abell; two siblings, Geraldine Sheets and Gilbert Abell; a grandson, Tommy Lee Parrett; and a special friend, Wilma Jean House.

Survivors include his six children, Sandra Helm, Mike Abell, Debra Abell, Patty (Benny) Parrett, Libby (Dewey) Johnson, and Bobby Abell; five brothers, Howard, Sammy, Johnny, Randall, and David Abell; five sisters, Martha Ruley, Doris Wiggs, Carol Abell, Kathy Hawthorne, and Janice Newton; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral is Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 12 p.m. Noon at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown with Chaplain Ernie Bagley officiating.

Burial follows in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and continues after 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed online at brownfuneral.com.