Walter Lester Abele

Walter Abele Obituary

Walter Lester Abele

Walter Lester Abele, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, in Beverly Hills, Florida. Born on September 7, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Walter lived a life marked by service, courage, and unwavering devotion to his family. He spent 56 years in Toledo before relocating to Florida, where he spent the remainder of his years.

Walter served the City of Toledo with distinction, joining the Toledo Police Department on November 1, 1959. Over the course of his career, he rose through the ranks to retire as a captain on February 2, 1990. His leadership extended beyond duty, serving as the president of the Toledo Police Commanders Officers Association. Among his many commendations, Walter was recognized for extraordinary bravery when he singlehandedly stopped an armed robbery in progress, saving a life and capturing the suspect alone-an act that exemplified his courage and commitment.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife, Diane Abele; son, Robin Abele; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Ken Brakefield. He was a proud grandfather to Kristen and Tyler Borth, Katie and Charles Schwartz, Kathleen Heather Brakefield, Danielle and Scott Williams, and Timothy and Julie Brakefield. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Robert Abele. Walter's legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Rowan Brakefield, Tristen Williams, Makayla Williams, Emerson Brakefield, Parker Brakefield, Braiden Borth, Blake Borth, Charles, and Chance Schwartz.

A man of deep compassion and principle, Walter had a lifelong love for horses and dogs and was a proud admirer of John Wayne. His character shone brightest in his devotion to family. He was a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a true family man. He cared deeply for his loved ones, offering help in times of need-providing a home for his mother in her later years and supporting his brother during difficult times. Walter's steadfast sense of responsibility ensured that his family was always protected and cherished.

Walter Lester Abele will be remembered for his valor, kindness, humor, and unyielding dedication to those he loved. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his years of service and beyond.

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Published by The Blade on Aug. 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Abele

1 Entry

Kathleen H Brakefield

Earlier today

My Pap Pap was one of the most important people in my life. He was loving, protective, and principled, all the things you´d hope a grandfather would be, but he was also so much more than that. He was funny, thoughtful, full of stories, and always ready to explain something so that you could understand it just the way he did.

Some of my happiest memories are at the farm he owned, where I´d spend hours riding in the trailer of his lawnmower, collecting rocks, climbing cherry trees when I wanted a snack, or just walking through the fields. That farm became my happy place. Even now, when I need calm or clarity, I can close my eyes and go back there. I can still feel the warm breeze, hear the hum of the locusts, and sense his presence like I did on all those weekends growing up.

When I was little, I wished with all my heart every birthday for a horse and one day, he brought Beauty, a Tennessee Walking Horse, to the farm. He taught me how to ride, and I´ll never forget how much that meant to me. It was like a dream come true, and it was because of him.

Pap Pap also had a great love for John Wayne movies (it was through him that I discovered my favorite actress, Maureen O´Hara). He could quote entire scenes, and he admired those characters deeply. I remember once, while we were watching a movie, John Wayne lit a cigarette, and he scolded the screen: "Put that cigarette away, it´s going to kill you far too soon!" That moment stuck with me because it summed him up so well. He cared so deeply...not just about people, but about the choices they made. He wanted the people around him to understand right from wrong, to respect authority and responsibility, and to make good decisions. That was such a core part of who he was.

When I was 18 and preparing to go to architecture school, he took me on a drive. At the time, I thought maybe he didn´t believe I could do it. That he thought I was just a girl trying to do a "man´s job." Years later I talked to him about how I became an architect anyways. He told me that he wasn´t trying to discourage me. He just wanted to make sure, I was sure. That I understood what I was getting into and that I was making the right choice for me. And when he saw the first building, I helped design, no one was prouder than he was.

He supported me when I felt like I had no one else. He could always sense when I needed a laugh, or a story, or a moment of guidance. I will miss his lectures, his laughter, and the way he always had a story to make a point (the kind that stayed with you long after it ended).

Pap Pap gave me strength, comfort, and a belief in myself that shaped who I am. I will carry him with me always in my memories.

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