Donald Abel
May 22, 1933 — May 21, 2015
Donald L. “Don” Abel Sr., 81, of Peoria, passed away at 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on May 22, 1933 in Peoria, a son of Albert and Lillian (Brewer) Abel. They preceded him in death, along with his first wife, Shirley Ann Streitmiller; son, Donald L. Abel Jr.; and stepsons, Howard and Dan Gaisford.
Don married Ruth (Baxendale) Gaisford on February 14, 1981 at Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughter, Deb Pugsley of Peoria; son, James (Kirsty) Abel of Chillicothe; stepsons, Tim (LuAnn) Gaisford of Warsaw, IN and Greg Gaisford of Battlefield, MO; stepdaughter, Debbie (Rick) Stokes of Deer Creek; sixteen grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.
Don retired as a Proof Designer for Caterpillar, at their Downtown Peoria and East Peoria facilities. He was formerly employed with Sealtest in Peoria, working in their Milk Cooling and Loading divisions.
He was a member of Forrest Hill United Methodist Church, where he served as an Usher and formerly served as a Trustee. He was formerly a Troop Leader for Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed bird watching and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church in Peoria, with the Rev. Dr. Curt D. Keller officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at Forrest Hill United Methodist Church and one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Interment will be at Historic Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to Forrest Hill United Methodist Church, the W.D. Boyce Council of Boy Scouts of America in Peoria or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
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