January 10, 1924 – March 20, 2024
Russell Lowell Abel, 100, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Five Star Residences of Noblesville.
He was born on January 10, 1924, to the Reverend Lester N. Abel and Mrs. Katherine E. (Pearson) Abel in Whiteland, Ind. He was one of four children: a brother, Billy L. Abel (wife Dottie), and two sisters, Vera L. Abel Holmes, and Mary L. Van Allen (husband Art). All preceded him in death.
Russell met Phyllis Taylor at Franklin College through his sister Mary, who walked to school with Phyllis. Their first date was to a dance at Franklin College, sponsored by the Independent Men’s House. After one year of dating, Russell proposed, and she said yes. They were married with Russell’s father officiating and began a marriage that lasted until Phyllis’ death in 2015. His wife of 65 years, Phyllis Ann (Taylor) Abel, preceded him in death. He was looking forward to his reunion with Phyllis and others who preceded him.
Russell and Phyllis had two sons, David R. (wife Marcy) and Phillip L. (wife Carolyn); two grandchildren, Katherine E. Abel Mullins (husband Adam), and David Benjamin Abel (wife Annie); one great-granddaughter, Madison Raye Mullins; one step-granddaughter, Annie Bellamy; and two step-grandsons, Holden Bellamy and Austin Suel.
In his early years, Russell moved often as the son of Methodist Church minister who served churches in Acton, Switz City, Clarks Hill, Whitcomb, Westport, Milton, Vincennes, New Albany, and Shelburn.
Russell graduated from Jefferson Township High School in Grant County in 1942, attended Taylor University for two years, and then after service in the U.S. Army during World War II, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin College. He also earned a master’s degree from Butler University, and a Doctorate in Education from Indiana University.
Russell rose to the level of First Sergeant in the Army of the United Sates serving in the Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Victory Medal World War II, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, and a Good Conduct Medal. Russell landed in Japan at the end of the war. Russell was honorably discharged on March 10, 1946.
Russell began his professional career as a teacher at Maywood Elementary School in Wayne Township. He also taught at John Strange Elementary school in Washington Township in Marion County. He became assistant principal at Westlane Junior High School in Washington Township Marion County and after three years was named principal.
He became a member of the Indiana Association of Junior and Senior High School Principals (IAJSHSP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He accepted the office of president of IAJSHSP in 1970. While in that office, the association became its own entity independent from the Indiana School Teachers Association (ISTA). Russell was selected as Executive Director of the IAJSHSP and served in the capacity for seven years before retiring in 1987. While in the office, the association became known as the Indiana Secondary School Administrators Association (ISSA) and developed a division of student activities which offered support to various student organizations in the state.
On April 8, 1987, the Indiana University School of Education Alumni Association presented him with the Education Alumnus Award for his achievements in the field of education.
On the national level, he was chairman of the State Executive Directors as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He served in that capacity for two years.
A big part of Russell’s adult life was spent in the church he loved. He taught adult Sunday school classes for 55 years in the United Methodist churches he attended. He was district leader for the Marion County Methodist Church district and served on the Council of Ministries as chairman.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sarasota, and also First United Methodist Church in Noblesville. He attended various churches throughout his adult life, including Trinity, West Michigan Street where his father served, and Mt. Olive.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., with services at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. Rev. Brittney Stephan will officiate. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville, IN 46060; or Sarasota First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.
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