Harold Abell

HAGERSTOWN- A country boy from southern Indiana, Harold Abell, 88, passed away Thursday evening September 21, 2023 at Arbor Trace in Richmond, Indiana. A son of the late Fred Baron and Lula May (Smith) Abell, Harold was born in Birdseye, Indiana on August 28, 1935.  Some of his earliest memories were of the fun and adventure he and his siblings had near their home while playing in Hurricane Creek at the Ferdinand State Forest.  Harold and his eight siblings were raised in the First Pentecostal Church. They worked hard with their parents in the fields of the family farm, raising hogs, cattle and a large garden. He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a tanker driver on border patrol.  Harold maintained a love for the outdoors throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing and spending time at his summer home in Michigan. Harold was a blessing to all he met.  He enjoyed life, was a friendly, outgoing and helpful person.  Harold stayed connected to his southern Indiana roots by regularly going to Swartz Family Restaurant in Eckerty to listen to Blue Grass and Gospel Music. Harold lived in Hagerstown and retired from DANA Corp. after thirty-four years of service as a machine operator.  His memberships include the Who So Ever Church in Fountain City and a fifty year member of the Hagerstown Masonic Lodge #49 F & A.M..  After leaving Hagerstown, Harold lived in assisted living at the Leland in Richmond where he made new friendships and enjoyed playing Canasta.

          Harold is survived by his wife, Sandra, whom he married in Eaton, Ohio on May 16, 2016.  Harold had no children of his own but was a loving father and grandfather to three foster children, four stepchildren and their families; 1 sister, Mildred Harris; several nieces and nephews; canine companion, “Sassy Mae”.

           Harold was preceded in death by his first wife, Alma (Pope) Abell on March 31, 2013; 7 siblings, Clyde, Carl, Claude, Clarence, Jimmy and Howard Abell and Pauline Harris.

          Visitation will be on Monday September 25, 2023 from 11 a.m. until the start of Funeral  and Masonic Services at 1 p.m. at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Dublin. Pastor Denver Conway will officiate the funeral services.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Hagerstown.

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