Thomas Abels

1931 - 2017

Thomas Allen Abels
1931-2017
Thomas Allen Abels, born June 26, 1931 in McPherson, Kansas, passed away on February 28, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents Anne and Ben Abels, his wife Sandra Abels, and infant daughter Stacey. He is survived by his children Michael Abels, Lauren Leong, and Brenna Abels, grandson Harlan Leong, brother Robert Abels and wife Hope, nieces, nephews, and fiancé and best friend Sandy Kamine. Tom grew up in Kansas and Illinois where he played varsity basketball in high school. Tom was an Eagle Scout and a member of Order of the Arrow. His college years at the University of Oklahoma were interrupted to serve in the United States Army in occupied Germany for two years. He returned to OU where he earned both a BS and MS in Geological Engineering. He was a member of the honor societies Sigma Xi (research), Sigma Gamma Epsilon (geology), Pi Epsilon Tau (Petroleum engineering) and the social fraternity Pi Lambda Phi. While at OU he continued Army service in the active reserve. Tom worked as an engineer for Shell Oil Company and retired in 1989. While with Shell he worked in Oklahoma City, Billings, Montana, New Orleans and Houston. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers for over 25 years. After retiring from Shell he began as second career as a Real Estate Broker. He authored numerous articles that were published in both state and national real estate publications. Tom was a member of Congregation Beth Israel for more than 40 years. He was known for his dry, witty sense of humor and a love for OU football, westerns, & dancing. A memorial service will be held for family and close friends in early April. The family asks that contributions be made to a charity of choice.