James David (Dave) Abrell, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away on May 17, 2014. He was born on September 19, 1931 to Samuel Clayton and Estelle Angie (Rinker) Abrell.
Dave lived in Indianapolis, IN his entire life. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School (1949) with additional schooling at IU, Purdue and Butler. He worked for the Indianapolis Star, Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and Community Hospital (Computer Systems), Indianapolis, IN. After retiring, he worked at the FORT Golf Course at Fort Harrison. He was a member of Castleton UMC where he served on the Board of Trustees (with a stint as Chairman), the Pastor Parrish Committee, was Lay Leader, and as a delegate to the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Christian Crusaders, Variety Bunch and Grace Group. He was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge (Englewood #715/Keystone #251) F. & A.M., a 50+ Member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, and a 44 year member of the Murat Shrine.
Dave loved playing Golf, playing cards (especially Bridge) and other games. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Lee (Sib) Abrell, their sons Todd David (Nancy) Abrell, of Oklahoma City, OK and Douglas Alan Abrell of Denver, CO. He left four beautiful grandchildren and didn’t miss a chance to brag about them: Jonah Thomas, Mary Jensen, Lars Clayton, and Stella Britt Abrell.
His is also survived by a niece Heidi Abrell and nephew Michael Abrell, both of Indianapolis, IN. His brother and sister-in-law, Richard R. (Lilo) Abrell preceded him in death. Dave enjoyed his numerous friends.
Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Castleton United Methodist Church, 7101 N Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Visitation from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Castleton United Methodist Church Choir. Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory.
Kay L. Boatman-Sampson says
Dear Sib, Todd and Doug:
Dick and I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of Dave. We are so sorry for your loss. Marty Weaver and my son, Steve, were keeping me in the loop regarding Dave’s updates. Dave was a wonderful man and he loved you so much, Sib. I just wish Jim was alive to voice his sympathies. Somehow, I know he is looking down on you and your sons plus grandchildren and is feeling your loss. I doubt if I will be able to come to Dave’s funeral as I am having some difficulty getting around (I had brain surgery May 24, 2013 due to a non-malignant brain tumor located in my cerebellum which has affected my balance.) I now use a cane which helps me immensely.
May the good Lord be with you and all your family. God bless you all.
Kay and Dick
Randy & Jan Pell says
Sib, so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family.
Pat and Bob Babcock says
we have been looking back at the wonderful times we shared with you and Dave and will always cherish them. What a fantastic couple you were. So glad that you were able to share 45 years together.
Love,
Pat and Bob
Melinda Buckley Sparks says
Dear Sib and family…We send our sympathies to the Abrell Family…Dave was our last connection to Grace Methodist Church and our parents church…God Bless Melinda Buckley Sparks
Sue Price says
Sib, You and the boys have been on my mind and heart during Dave’s hospitalization. It is so much consolation to know he is in heaven with no pain. At the same time, I do know about missing a loved one and that is not easy. During all those times, I pray the Lord will just be evident in his sweet and wonderful way and be so present that it will ease the pain and give you peace!! I love you, dear friend, Sue
Joyce Brown says
Dave was a helpful member of our nursing “HAVE NEWS” and always attended our reunions with smiles. Sib, we thank so happily of our times together and even more joyful about the Heavenly Reunion promised by our Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. I plan spending continued hours of reflection , prayers, praises together with you as you gain strength following this long post -surgical trial. You have been a faithful, caring, loving wife. Love, Joyce
James F Little says
Dear Sylvia and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I always enjoyed talking golf with Dave when he was in the office. May your memories bring you comfort and may God touch you through those who share your sorrow.
Jim Little
Linda Fry says
Sylvia,
John and I send our condolences to you and Todd and Doug.We were in Indy briefly last week but had no time to visit. We were reminiscing about how you and Dave tried to teach us to play bridge. Our prayers will be with you, for comfort and peace.
John and Linda