Robert Franklin Ableman

Robert (Bob) Franklin Ableman of Arlington, WA, born on July 24, 1944 to the late James and Exzilda Ableman, passed away on February 5, 2026, surrounded by his children and son-in-law. Bob was known for his appreciation of life and his deep commitment to his family.

He spent his formative years in Bellingham, WA, with a brief period of residence in Alaska during his childhood. A graduate of Meridian High School in 1962, Bob contributed to the family dairy farm before completing the machinist apprenticeship program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. His distinguished career spanned several decades with the U.S. Department of Defense. He retired at age 50 as Chief Planner from the Naval Submarine Base Bangor after 30 years of dedicated service, earning numerous accolades, commendations, and awards.

Bob's professional life was complemented by his love of travel, both throughout the United States and internationally. He enjoyed outdoor pursuits such as camping, biking, and skiing, and maintained passionate interests in aeronautics, space exploration, history, and classic cars.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Lorraine Finet (and brother-in-law Wayne Finet) and James Ableman. He is survived by his sisters, Janet Bland (Billings, MT) and Mary Nevins (Bellingham, WA); sister-in-law, Shirley Ableman (Bellingham, WA); his children, Rebecca Ableman McCrary (and son-in-law Michael McCrary) of Arlington, WA, Brenda Ableman of Arlington, WA, and Robert Ableman of Port Orchard, WA; as well as his grandchildren: Jaysen Fredriksen, James Fredriksen (and granddaughter-in-law Chelsey Fredriksen), Danielle Ableman, Carina Ableman, Alaina Ableman, Amber Ableman, Andrew Ableman, Sidney Ableman, Amy McCrary (and grandson-in-law Michael Place), and Mariah Hendrickson (and grandson-in-law Gregory Hendrickson). He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Riley, Paxton, Xyla, Grace, Emmanuel, Bentley, Audrey, Addison, Grady and Liam along with many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life gathering to honor Bob will be held on May 30, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Oxford Suites, located at 4051 Meridian Street in Bellingham, WA. This event will follow a private graveside service reserved for close family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to the Arlington Food Bank (www.arlingtonfoodbank.org), an organization that was especially meaningful to Bob. Your thoughtful donations will help continue his legacy of caring for others in the community he cherished.