Obituary for Leon R. Abell

1928 - 2013

Leon R. Abell of Milton-Freewater and formerly of Island City, Ore., passed away on Jan. 31, 2013, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla at the age of 84 years. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the Island City Cemetery in Island City with Pastor Quinton Kimbrow officiating. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in memory of Leon Abell to the Disabled American Veterans (Blue Mt. Chapter #46) in care of the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, OR. 97862.

Leon “Leeander” Abell was born on July 1, 1928, the son of George and Bertha Jo (Graham) Abell in Ewing, Mo. At an early age Leon moved with his family to Island City, where he attended area schools. On March 5, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Oregon. Leon married Vivian Sue Robinson and the couple had two children, Karen and Ricky. The marriage later ended in divorce. In the early 1980s Leon settled in the Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater area, working at the VA Hospital. While there he met his life companion, Beverley Britain, and the couple shared many great times together. Leon was a member of the Elks Lodge, past president of the Eagles Lodge and participated with the Main Street Cowboys in Pendleton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling and gardening.

Survivors include his companion, Beverley Britain of Milton-Freewater; children, Karen Hawkins of Echo, Ore., and Ricky Abell of Eminence, Mo.; four grandchildren, Brandie Alley, Trina Pitts, Shawn and Jennifer; and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Bernard Abell of La Grande and Homer Abell of Summerville, Ore.; sister, Eva Kimmelshue of Hood River, Ore.; numerous extended family and other children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren he loved as his own. His parents; brothers, Robert Earl Abell, Wendell Abell; and a nephew, Terry Abell; all preceded him in death.