Robert Abell

ABELL

Robert (Bob) Abell, 82, of Galena, died on Saturday April 21, 2012. He was born on September 26, 1929 in Ashland, Ohio to Scott & Lynna Abell. A 1947 graduate of Bellevue High School, he received his bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering from Case Institute in Cleveland in June 1951and married the love of his life,
Mary Lou, the same year. Bob, a licensed Professional Engineer, spent most of his career as an aerodynamic and electro-mechanical engineer with North American Aviation (now Boeing) first as a test engineer at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He was instrumental in designing the T-2B and A3J-1 jets among others. Later he headed up a group of engineers designing autonomous missile guidance systems at the Columbus plant in the Missile Systems Division and then in Duluth, GA as a member of the Advanced Engineering Technical Staff. He was always enthusiastic about solving any technical problem. A lifelong sailor, Lieutenant Robert Abell, Senior Navigator, was an active member of the United States Power Squadron, Columbus Sail and Power Squadron in a Full Certificate. Bob joined the USPS in 1969 and served 44 yearswith 42 merit marks. He taught courses in Sail, Navigation and Cruise Planning and was a coarthur of the Cruise Planning curriculum still in use nationally. As a member of the Great Lakes Cruising Club, he and his loving wife, Mary Lou, enjoyed many a summer cruising the Great Lakes on their 35 foot wooden Choey Lee sloop sailboat, Miss Conduct. Bob will be greatly missed by his Ham Radio buddies on the ”Turkey Net”, KE8BS 73’s & 88’s. His other hobbies included skiing, tennis, woodworking, metalworking, electronics and more in his shop. Bob lived life until the end and was not one to be told he couldn’t. He is survived by four children; Kathleen (Michael) Ishler of Santa Monica, CA; Daniel (Gwyneth) Abell of Westerville; Robert Abell of Grand Junction, CO; and Roger (Ellen) of Glouster, OH. two grandchildren, Stephanie (Nate) Jakus and Matthew Ishler as well as brother Scott (Judy) Abell. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou in 2002. A Memorial Mass will be read at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 North State Street Westerville, OH 43082, on May 8th at 10 am where family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Lou Abell Memorial Fund c/o the Meyers Inn Historical Building, 44 Burrer Drive, Sunbury, Ohio 43074.