Thomas Gerald Abell

1933 - 2013

Thomas Gerald Abell, 79, Lebanon, passed away at his residence on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather with a great zest for life.
He was born on Sept. 16, 1933 in St. Joe. A member of St. Augustine Church, he was an honorably discharged Korean War Veteran who received commendations for his role as an audio specialist in military Intelligence. He served as president of the Kentucky Jaycee's in the late 1960's, as the regional campaign manager for Wendell Ford for which he was named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel, was the chapter president of the Lion's Club of Lebanon and was actively involved in the organization for 25 years and was a member of the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce. He oversaw the construction of the Eye Institute of Central Kentucky and served as both its executive director and on the board of directors during it's early years and afterwards he served as executive director of Abell's Corvette for 12 years. He was also the founder and president of "Happy Hour" and an honorary member of the "Saturday Sausage Cookers of America". In 2007, he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services and in 2009, was honored by the Knights of Columbus Council 1264 for 50 years of faithful service. A nature enthusiast, his hobbies included golf, bird watching, and deep-sea fishing. He was an active member of the Lebanon Country Club and frequently participated in the "Lunch Bunch".
He was preceded in death by: his parents, James Caldwell and Mary Isabelle Wathen Abell; and a sister, Shirley Mae Abell Bland.
Survivors Include: his wife, Betty Jean Craig Abell of Lebanon; two sons, Dr. Thomas Gerald Abell (Libby) of Lexington and Michael Kevin Abell (Emily) of Richmond; a daughter, Pamela Kaye Abell Caldwell (Michael) of Danville; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Myrtle Ann Buckman (Fabian), Edwardine Luckett (Lawrence), Wanda Osbourn-Thomas (William), and Marty Wheatley (Pat), all of Lebanon; three brothers, James Bernard Abell (Harlene) of Lebanon, Allan Abell (Brenda) of Finley, and George Abell (Suzanne) of Spring Hill, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with interment in Lebanon National Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard. Rev. Chris Rhodes officiated.
Active pallbearers were Mike Abell, Mikey Abell, Tom Abell, Thomas Abell, Dwayne Mortinson, Paul Powell, Jimmy Thompson, and Tom Ervin.
Honorary pallbearers were Mike Spalding, Bernard Abell, Allen Abell, and George Abell.
Bosley Funeral Home, Lebanon, was in charge of arrangements.