Maynard L. Abel

Maynard L. Abel, 63, of Shelbyville, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at his home. Born Dec. 25, 1942, in Indianapolis, he was the son of the late Henry E. and Betty J. (Applegate) Abel. He married Gwendolyn R. Haines on Oct. 30, 1981, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 30, 2001. He married Linda Lou Coyle on July 28, 2002, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Brian Abel and Michael Abel, both of Shelbyville; two daughters, Tonya Abel of Jacksonville, Fla., and Terri (husband, Robert) Bodine of Shelbyville; four stepsons, Edward Bodine Jr. of California, Robert Bodine of Shelbyville, Oliver Bodine of Browns Mills, N.J., and Jerod Bodine of Pemberton, N.J.; three stepdaughters, Terri Bongiorno of Burlington, N.J., Vicki Brown of Tabernacle, N.J., and Tammy Agee of Shelbyville; three brothers David Abel of Shelbyville, Alan Abel of Maria Stein, Ohio, and Paul Abel of Clearfield, Utah; two sisters, Sheila Rutherford of Indianapolis and Sheryl Fugate of Shelbyville; 23 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by one brother, Neil Abel. Mr. Abel grew up in Shelby County. He retired in November of 1988 from the U.S. Air Force as a chief master sergeant, after 28 years of service. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he flew 158 missions. Mr. Abel received the distinguished Flying Cross, five air medals and the Meritorious Service Award. He graduated in 1961 from Morristown High School and attended Maryland University, Washington State University and Eastern New Mexico University. Mr. Abel was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, American Legion Post No. 70 and Non Commissioned Officers Association. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Chapel, Freeman Family Funeral Homes, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robb Barlow officiating. Burial will be in London Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences can be sent to www.carmony-ewing.com.