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Ronald A. "Ron" Abel

1926 - 2023

Ronald A. "Ron" Abel obituary, 1926-2023, Prairie Village, KS

BORN

1926

DIED

2023

Ronald Abel Obituary

Ronald "Ron" A. Abel
September 15, 1926 - August 26, 2023
Prairie Village, Kansas - Ronald A. Abel, 96, of Prairie Village, KS, passed away August 26, 2023. Ron was born Sept. 15, 1926, first of 3 children born to Arthur and Fannie Abel on a farm near Ventura, IA. Ron's World War II Service included a two year stint as a radioman aboard a U.S. Navy Destroyer in the Pacific Theater. He was proud that he still remembered Morse Code all of his life. Ron married Dixie Hunst (his childhood sweetheart) in 1946. They had 4 children together (Steve, Ed, Jeanne, and Joan) and were married for 51 years until Dixie passed away in 1997.
A few years later he married Ann Barcus-Abel and they were married for 18 years until Ann passed away in 2017.
Ron retired in 1986 as a senior district analyst after 38 years with Amoco. Ron enjoyed music his whole life. He sang in high school and college, played the piano and sang for several years in dance bands. He has been an active member of the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus since 1962.
He sang with many quartets over the years including "The Music Men" (this included a 3 week trip to Europe with "The Music Man" production). Ron was a lifelong member of The Old Mission United Methodist Church and loved singing in the choir every Sunday. He was preceded in death by one brother, Keith Abel, one sister, Lorraine Reynolds, and one son, Steve Abel. He is survived by one son, Ed Abel (Laura), two daughters, Jeanne FitzGerald (Kirk), and Joan Moore (Mike), and one daughter-in-law Colleen Abel. Ten grandchildren: Shane (Teresa), Shannon (Johnny), Kris (Bill), Jeni (PJ), Travis, Katie (Jayson), Donna (John), Shaun (Lori), Angela (Lee), Sarah (Renee); 28 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and many step-grandchildren. He was greatly loved by all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 29, 2023.

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HOA Director Emeritus Jim Bagby

August 28, 2023

As a 61-year member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Ron was the senior singer in the Heart of America Chorus. More important, he had held virtually every leadership position, musically and administratively. He was invaluable as assistant chorus director and Music Vice President, and served as Chapter President in 1974.

And despite his soft-spoken nature, he was recognized with every honor the HOA membership could bestow, including the Joe Stern Lifetime Achievement Award, held by only a handful of men in the 87-year history of the chapter.

In the five-state Central States District, Ron also will be remembered as a leader, including District President and Hall of Fame.

Rest in harmonious peace, cherished friend.

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