Robert  “Bob”  Wayne Abel, Sr., 84, of Winchester, KS, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 11, 2022. 

His self-proclaimed  “Tom Sawyer life”  began in Easton, Kansas, on March 10, 1938, with his parents, Rosa M. (Sass) and John L. Abel, Sr.  He enjoyed carefree swimming in the creek, fishing and hunting while completing his education at Easton High School.  He graduated in 1956. There, he met and married his wife of 62 years, Rose Mary (Winsor) Abel.

In the years that followed, he worked as a machinist at Kramer Manufacturing. Together, Bob and Rose Mary left  “skunk hollar” and built their first-generation family farm in Winchester. Bob was passionate about the land he worked, family he raised and friends he shared. Over more than 50 years, his growing family collected an abundance of pride-filled stories including his equipment purchases disguised as “family vacations,”  celebratory chocolate malts and questionable customizations to his hay mower among others. Many friends, family and neighbors share happy memories from time on the farm, especially gathering for Bob and Rose Mary's annual 4th of July celebration.
 

For years, Bob and Rose Mary traveled the area with their band, Country Magic, playing music and celebrating with all. Bob also served the community as a member of the local FSA Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Oak Hill Cemetery Board, and JCN School Board. He often enjoyed time with his kids, grand kids and great-grand kids including long conversations and stories, getting his hair cut, restocking his stash of snacks, roughhousing with the little ones, playing guitar, singing, attending football and basketball games, taking nationwide road trips and attending birthday parties.
 

Bob leaves a legacy of work ethic, humility, love for his family and exceptionally quick wit. Much like his collection of cheesy jokes, his gratitude for the life he lived was often proclaimed to anyone in earshot. His wisdom and frequent banter are both dearly missed. He was greeted in peace by his mother, Rosa, father, John, brothers, John Abel, Jr., and Donald Abel, and a great-granddaughter, Magnolia Abel. 

He is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Abel, three children, Robert (Connie) Abel Jr,  Rick (Joanie) Abel,  Jeanne Noll (Joe Foderaro), ninegrandchildren, Jared (Angela) Abel, Brandon Abel, Kristin (Garrett) McMillan, Laura (Aaron)Crossley, Chris (Taylor) Noll, Josh Abel (Kristen Efurd), Jake (Sydney) Abel, Justin (Holly) Abel, Joel Abel and 17 great-grandchildren.
 

Services will be  Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa, KS.  Visitation will be  9:30 - 11:00 AM, prior to the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Easton, KS. 
 In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to National Kidney Foundation, Turner Syndrome Global Alliance, or to  Bloom Like Magnolia in care of the Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS.   66066.    barnettfamilyfh.com