Leland L. Abel

Leland L. Abel, 88 years, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014 in Monroe. Born June 27, 1925 in Wichita, Kansas, Leland was the son of the late Courtland C. and Nellie V. (Olson) Abel. Leland was a 1943 graduate of East High School in Wichita where he was a member of the Student Council and the school marching and concert bands. Leland lettered in tennis and basketball. He furthered his education and in 1949 received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Wichita State University. Leland served his country honorably and proudly during WWII as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Leland fought in the Pacific Theater from 1944 to 1946 where he participated in the Iwo Jima Campaign and the occupation of Japan. On May 9, 1953 Leland married his beloved wife, the former Katherine J. Lucas in San Antonio, Texas. The couple moved to Monroe in 1978. Leland worked in the oil and gas industry for some 60 years. He was the Vice President and General Manager of Michigan Gas Utilities Development Company until 1979. Leland then formed his own company Leland L. Abel & Associates, which acted as a broker for various major and independent oil and gas companies. Leland was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he was a former member of its Vestry. Leland was also a past member of the Monroe Rotary Club. He enjoyed tennis, fishing and golf. Leland will be remembered as a man of true integrity, honesty and patience, with a great sense of humor who was devoted to God, Country and his loving family. Leland is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years: Katherine L.; three loving sons: Leland L. Abel, Jr. of Traverse City, MI, David J. Abel of Austin, TX, and Clifford C. (Linda) Abel of Allen, MI; four grandsons: Courtland, Lucas, Clayton and Clifford II. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-7 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161, where funeral services will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Deacon Mike Stewart will officiate. Interment will follow at McIntyre Cemetery in Raisinville Township, MI, where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to A. Alfred Taubman Cancer Research Center at the University of Michigan.

Leland L. Abel

June 27, 1925 - March 29, 2014