Obituary of John C. Abel

John C. Abel was born in Dayton, Washington, on September 6, 1932.  He died peacefully in his home in Lacey, Washington, on February 3, 2019 after a short battle with lung cancer.

John graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Navy (1952-1954) during the Korean War. He was married to Jane Marie Noble on June 30, 1956.  They were married 44 years.  They lived in Seattle, Washington, from 1956 to his retirement as a machinist from Boeing in 1987. After Jane’s passing in 2000, he married Mary Jane Carver on February 14, 2001.

In the winter, John and Jane lived in Yuma, Arizona, where they spent many adventurous years exploring the remote Southwest desert with their dear friends.  The summers were spent roaming numerous back roads of the West in their sand rails.  They also traveled all over the U.S. in their motorhome. John and Jane enjoyed entertaining big groups of people for many holidays and special occasions in their home that they built together. 

John was a kind and generous man.  Life was an adventure with him.  He taught his children how to live full and joyful lives.  His love of the outdoors contributed to their lifelong love of the outdoors.  He taught them how to fish, hunt, water ski, snow ski, swim and ride motorcycles.  They often camped in the woods for two weeks at a time, not always so fun with a teenage daughter who wanted a shower.

His family fondly remembers his gas-powered margarita mixer for desert sand rail trips, all the maps thrown out the window in many states they traveled through, and the tools thrown into the lakes and oceans when he couldn’t fix the boat engines.  These are good and sometimes unforgettable times with a strong man.

John found great joy being with his family and many friends who will miss him greatly.

He is survived by his daughter, two sons, and their families: Ronna and Ed Heiser of Olympia, Washington, their two children, Ryan Heiser of Sammamish, Washington:  Jessica and Chris Wegeleben  and great grandson, Joelson of Tumwater, Washington; Mark Abel, and his partner, Gary Swinford of Palm Springs, California; Mark’s son Jeremy and Kara Abel of Clovis, New Mexico, and his two great grandchildren, Paxton and Madison; Steve and Sandy Abel of Wilbur, Washington, their two children, Carlee Abel of Portland, Oregon, and Damon and Naomi Abel of Louisiana.  Survivors also include his brother, Bob Abel of Yakima, Washington; sister, Mary Lynn and Lester Warren of Mesa, Arizona; and his aunt, Peggy Wiltse of Yuma, Arizona.

A graveside service will be held May 5, 2019, 12:30 p.m. at IOOF Cemetery,1900 Brick Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926.