NAPPANEE - Donald E. Abel, 66, of Nappanee died at 4:45 a.m. Aug. 27, 2013, in Elkhart General Hospital. He was born Dec. 28, 1946, in Elkhart to Paul and Evelyn Roose Abel. He was formerly married to Rita Tucker, Wakarusa, who survives. He was a 1964 graduate of Wakarusa High School, and lived his lifetime in this area. He was owner of Franklin Coach in Nappanee. He was very active in the community serving on the Butch Nine Scholarship committee, 4th of July committee, Nappanee Redevelopment Commission from 1994-2007, and NorthWood Dollars for Scholars committee. He was a former Elkhart County councilman, and was named Nappanee Citizen of the Year in 2000. Also surviving are two sons, Jim (and spouse Heidi) Abel, Fishers, and Chris (and spouse Mindy) Abel, Nappanee; a sister Becky (and spouse Johnnie) Moody, Granger; two brothers Steve Abel, Nappanee, and Rick (and spouse Gail) Abel, Wakarusa; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial will be with full Fireman Honors, including a final call at Nappanee Fire Dept. and final salute at Olive West Cemetery. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials to NorthWood Dollars for Scholars.
