VASSAR, Kan. – John Robert Abel, 91, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at his home near Vassar, Kan. He was born Nov. 6, 1931, in Pomona, Kan., the son of John and Mildred (Nichols) Abel.

John grew up in the Greenwood community near Pomona, had lived near Lyndon, Kan., since 1965, and then near Vassar for the last 22 years.

John graduated from Pomona High School in 1950, and then served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954. John had been a farmer and stockman, and then began work at Goodyear Tire Company, Topeka, Kan., until his retirement. He was a member of the United Rubber Workers Local No. 1307, and the American Legion Post 125 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars 6406, both in Lyndon, and Vassar United Methodist Church.

On June 23, 1952, John was united in marriage to Ruth Humphrey, in Oakland, Calif. To this union, three children were born, Mike, Diann and Marty.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred; two sisters, Nadine Abel and Avis Henry; and a grandson, Anthony Drake, on July 16, 2023.

John is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 71 years; his three children, Mike Abel, of Vassar, Diann (Charlie) Drake, Vassar, and Marty (Pam) Abel, Independence, Mo.; sister, Myrna Sue Guion, Osawatomie, Kan.; and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Inurnment will be in the Lyndon Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Vassar United Methodist Church or Midland Hospice Care, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.