Richard “Dick” Abel

Richard “Dick” Abel died December 29, 2022 in Onslow Memorial Hospital , Jacksonville North Carolina after a brief illness. Dick was born May 8, 1944 to the late Ralph Clinton and Edna Zoe (Smith) Abel in Rumley Township, Harrison County, Ohio.

After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, retiring after 25 years of honorable service.  During his time in the Navy he had several Atlantic deployments, earned the honor of becoming a Shellback (crossed the equator), Blue Nose (crossed the arctic circle), Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment and Navy Battle "E".

 

On  February 6, 1970 he married Shirley Cook Abel and together they had 3 children: Amy, Michelle and Jessica.

 

Later in his life Dick enjoyed going to Cracker Barrel for breakfast, meeting his brother Donald monthly for lunch, putting together puzzles and talking about things he and his siblings would do when they were children.  He enjoyed reminscing about his time in the Navy working in the engine room of the ships he was stationed aboard, describing how beautiful the sunsets were over the ocean with no land in sight, and talking about all of his port call adventures.    
 

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Shirley, daughter Michelle; brother Paul; sisters Betty, Debbie and Bonnie.

Surviving are his children Amy and Jessica; brothers Donald, Bob and Francis and sister Nancy. Grandchildren Kevin, Michelle, Buddy, Dominic and Jalyn.  Great-grandchildren: Elaina, Ethan, Emilia, Gavin, Skyler and Emery and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 1 pm in Koch Funeral Home, Scio with Pastor Dixie Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Jewett. Friends may call two hours prior to the service Friday from 11 am to 1 pm at the funeral home