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Last updated on Thursday, September 17, 2015
(WASHINGTON) - Dave Abel, who led the city of Washington as mayor on two separate occasions, died Monday after a battle with cancer.
In honor of the former Mayor Washington City offices will be closed Friday from 9 to 1 p.m.
The city bus service will not run Friday until 1 p.m.
By Executive Order flags at all Washington city offices will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday.
62-year-old David William Abel of Washington was surrounded by his loving family when he went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 14, 2015.
David was a 1971 graduate of Washington High School;following graduation from Purdue University in 1975, Abel worked as Chief Probation Officer for the Daviess Circuit Courts, which led to the development of the local Big Brother, Big Sisters Program, now known as Friends for Kids. During that time He held offices in the Washington Jaycees, a civic organization which help develop young men to be leaders in their communities.Abel loved his community and wanted to give back.
In 1983 he pursued the office of Mayor to which he was elected for one term. The following 20 years he worked as an investment broker and then later had his own agency with Shelter Insurance in Washington. In 2003 he felt very much led to run for the office of Mayor again, was elected and served a term as Mayor for the City of Washington where his heart's theme for the city was "Renewing Hope".
Dave became involved in the Emmaus Community where he worked Men's Walks and Chrysalis.
In 2007 He was given the privilege to play the role of John the Disciple in the production of The Promise, which became his passion and where he found a whole new family.
In 2008 he began work for the State of Indiana as Senior Environmental Manager and Pollution Prevention Specialist for Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
He loved to fish, hunt and golf with his family. He enjoyed watching sports especially the Indianapolis Colts and Purdue Boilermakers. He was a lifetime Hatchet fan where in high school he played basketball and ran cross country.
He was a member of Antioch Christian Church where he previously was a Deacon and Elder as well as served on the Prayer Team and Praise Team. He loved his church and he loved his God. His heart's desire was for others, especially his family, to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
David is survived by his loving wife of 35 years; Rosemary Bilskie Abel; mother, Betty Abel; two daughters, Andria McCarty (Mike), Laura Truelove (Chase); grandchildren, Jakob Cibak, Nicholas Lunsford; two nephews, Phillip Abel (Amy), John Abel (Brandy); two brothers, Dennis Abel (Diane), Doug Abel (Kim); and many cousins.
David was preceded in death by his father, Jack Abel.
Visitation will be on Thursday, at Antioch Christian Church, 307 E. U.S. Highway 50 Washington, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Keith Meece officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Promise, The Right to Life, The Power House, or the Travis Burkhart Foundation.
You may make a condolence online at www.gillsince1872.com.
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