JUNCTION -- Martin John Abell, 79, longtime contractor and builder, left this world on July 18, 2017.
He was born Sept. 17, 1937, to James William and Estella Catherine (Wentzel) Abell.
John was a devoted member of St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway and a life member of Knights of Columbus.
He was admired and loved by his family and friends. He left a legacy of Christian love and good work ethic for his family to follow.
John was a founding member of the Wednesday Night Poker Club, which he enjoyed for almost 50 years. He loved to pick up pecans and pick out the goodies. He gave many, many pounds of pecans to his family and friends each year.
He especially loved to hunt and fish with his sons and grandsons. John also loved to go to the casino with his son and brothers, and he loved gardening and wine making.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Helen (Endicott) Abell; three sons, Mark and Janis Abell, Dennis and Janice Abell and Johnny and Kristi Abell; three daughters, Sherry and Dr. Ken Kollmann, Cindy and Jim Krikie and Cathy and Pal Szabo; four stepsons, Rick and Janine Walters, Rand and Cheryle Walters, Russell Walters and Lisa Schalk and Rod and Tara Walters; 13 grandchildren, Dr. Matt Abell, Lisa and Kris Risley, Joe and Katie Abell, Carrie Abell and fiancé Hunter Young, Michael Abell, Morgan Abell, Lauryn Abell and Jeff Will, Dr. Kaitlyn Kollman, Adam O'Neal, Zach and Mallory O'Neal, Lindsay Hill, Jonathon Heath and Sydney Burnett and Jeff and Meagan Heath; nine stepgrandchildren, Logan, Joe and Katie Rose Walters, Amy and Jimmy Quertermous, Seth Walters, Brooke Walters, Hunter Walters, Brent and Brandi Walters and Rachel and Tom Gott; six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Will Abell, Madison and Dylan Risley, Avery Hill and Eden Will; and four great-stepgrandchildren, Eli and Austin Quertermous, Travis Walters and Blake Gott.
Other survivors include two brothers, Bill and Donna Abell of Eldorado and Larry and Rose Abell of Bridgeport; five sisters, Mary Ann Abell of Staunton, Helen Moloney of Cedar Hills, Missouri, Pat Boulds of Eldorado, Connie and Jim Roemelin of Hillsboro and Carolyn and Dal Devine of Bunker Hill; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Estella Abell; baby daughter, Catherine Lynn Abell; grandson, Wesley Abell; great-granddaughter, Peyton Hill; sister, Dorothy Hudspeth; and three brothers, Jake, Kenny and Donald Abell.
Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. today, July 21, in St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway with Father Steven Beatty and Msgr. Joseph Lawyer officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery near Ridgway. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway with a 7 p.m. prayer service.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in John's memory may be given to St. Kateri building fund or a charity of the donor's choice.
Internet condolences may be made at www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.
