Harold M. "Jack" Abel, Sr., 88, of 1221 Ironville Pike, Columbia, PA, died on Tuesday at St. Anne's Retirement Community where he had been residing for the past 5 months. He was the husband of the late Mary Wambaugh Abel who preceded him in death in 2007. Born in Columbia, he was the son of the late Theodore and Fannie Frank Abel. He retired as a freight conductor for the PA Railroad where he was employed for 40 years. After his retirement, he worked for the Columbia Water Co. Jack was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbia where he served 2 terms on Church Council and also served as an Usher. He was also a member of the Red Rose Memorial Post #2435 VFW, the Columbia Historical Preservation Society, the Penn Central Retired Employees Association and the PA. Railroad Relief Association. He was a Charter Member of the Susquehanna Racquet Club and served as the Treasurer since it was formed in 1972. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII, having served in the European Theater of Operations.

Surviving is a Son: Harold M. "Jack", Jr. husband of Cindy Finkbinner Abel of Columbia. He was preceded in death by a Brother: Theodore L. Abel and a Sister: Evelyn M. Abel who just passed away on August 25, 2008.

Funeral Services for Jack will be held from St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6th & Locust Sts., Columbia, PA on Friday, September 5, 2008 at 11:00 AM with his pastor Rev. Richard E. Geib officiating. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Church on Friday from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. At Jack's request, please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements by the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. Columbia/Landisville.

Lancaster Newspapers, Lancaster PA
September 4, 2008