James "Howie" Abel

James F. Abel, 84, of Huntertown, also known as Howie, passed away on April 22, 2025, at Lincolnshire Place, Fort Wayne. He was born in Chili, Indiana, on January 10, 1941, to the late Fred and Alice (Bishop) Abel; he spent his formative years in Southern Indiana and graduated from Orleans High School in 1959. Jim served in the United States Navy from July 1959 to July 1963. He married Rita Hoot on February 6, 1965. The couple settled in Allen County, where they raised their three children. Jim spent 36 years as a production and machine repairman, retiring from Zollner Corp in Fort Wayne in 2002. He found joy in working in his yard and garden. He also enjoyed target shooting, playing solitaire on his computer, and watching videos of soldiers coming home. He enjoyed staying busy by working on lawnmowers or just tinkering. He enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's activities. Jim was a man of faith, having been baptized in the Church of the Brethren and attending St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Rita Abel; his children, Julie (Rex) Yant, Paul (Karen) Abel, and Robert (Milinda) Abel; his brothers, Steve (Charlene) Abel and David (Barbara) Abel; seven grandchildren, Allison, Cassidy, Seth, Molly, Audrey, Cooper, and Camille. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Bill Foutch. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Huntertown Chapel, with calling one hour before the service. The family will also receive family and friends at the Funeral Home on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. James will be laid to rest with military honors at the Huntertown Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or Veterans National Memorial Shrine, P.O. Box 26 Arcola, IN 46704 or honoringforever.org. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.