Paul Wesley Abel

Shawnee resident Paul Wesley Abel, 83, passed away on Saturday, November 9, at a local hospital.

Paul was born September 7, 1936, in Ada, to Verlin and Florence (Skinner) Abel. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School with the class of 1954. Paul continued his education at Oklahoma Baptist University. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Paul married Joyce Sullivan on December 21, 1956, in Waynoka. Paul began his career in broadcast radio, before entering the law enforcement community. Paul served in the Oklahoma City Police Department, Shawnee Police Department, and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s office. Paul was a charter member of the Shawnee Police Department’s Fraternal Order of Police Chapter, he was in the Oklahoma Rifle Association, the National Rifle Association, and the Oklahoma Sheriff and Peace Officers Association. Paul also taught the practical shooting academy at Bethel. He enjoyed hunting deer and elk, he was an avid fisherman, and loved camping and the outdoors. Paul was a competitive shooter, rising to grandmaster shooter status in Precision Pistol Competitions. More than anything, Paul loved spending time with his family and his friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Tina Abel of Shawnee, and Michael and Stephanie Abel of Yukon; daughter, Paula Abel of Shawnee; grandchildren, Christopher and Whitney Abel, Lisa and Josh Hatler, and Spring Holcomb; great- grandchildren, Kevin Dodd, Charles Abel, Sarah Abel, Hunter Hatler, Kayla Hatler, Kyira Holcomb, and Kiyon Holcomb; brother and sister-in-law Ed and Carol Abel; sister and brother-in-law Donna Sue and Steve Holt; and many other family and friends.

Services will be Wednesday, at 1:00 PM at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee with Father Paul Zahler, O.S.B., officiating.

Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.