Elbert 'Larry' Abel

Elbert ‘Larry’ Abel, age 69 of Jackson Twp., went home to be with the Lord, June 27, 2009, following a fall at his residence. He was born April 13, 1940 in Decatur, Illinois, but he enjoyed the past 30 years as a Stark County resident. Larry was a 1964 graduate of Southern Illinois University, which led him to a distinguished career in Human Resources. He spent 23 years as Director of Human Resources for Bridgestone/Firestone Tire and Rubber in Akron, and he was Director of Human Resources at Stark State Technical College for the past 15 years. His civic activities included board memberships on the Greater Stark County Urban League, and United Way of Greater Stark County. A longtime member of St. James AME Zion Church, Larry was chairman of the Steward Board, a Preacher Steward, a member of the male chorus, and President of the St. James Life Center Steering Committee. He was preceded in death by his mother Maurine Abel and a sister Patricia Smith. His memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 46 years, Linda (Blue) Abel of the residence, a daughter Kim Abel of Chicago and his son Larry Abel of Marina Del Rey, CA. There are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be 10:30 AM Friday July 3, 2009 at St. James AME Zion Church in Massillon; his pastor Rev. Robert Lewis will deliver the eulogy. Friends may call Thursday from 6-8 PM at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Condolences can be sent to the family at either 6743 Militia Hill St. NW, Canton, OH 44718 or www.paquelet.com. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222