Gary L Abel

Gary Lee Abel passed away peacefully at The Cottages Assisted Living in Emmett, Idaho on the 13th of May 2019 at the age of 80.
Gary was born in Boise, ID on May 7th, 1939 to Earl and Margaret Abel. He attended Boise High School until his junior year, when he went to work to support the family while his father was ill. Gary enlisted in the Unites States Navy in 1956 and was stationed in Guam. He picked up boxing in the Navy and spent many off-duty hours in the gym and the boxing ring. His passion for boxing led him later to a stint as a professional fighter in Boise.
In 1960, upon discharge from the Navy, Gary married the love of his life, Carolyn Hurst. Gary and Carolyn began a family and had three sons together: Joseph, Ty and Michael. Gary enjoyed riding and showing his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His boys became involved in boxing, and for many years Gary volunteered as a coach for the Vista Boxing Club in Idaho.
For 45 years, Gary worked in the communications industry as a cable splicer, all over the state of Idaho. He received commendation from the Governor for his role in returning phone service in Eastern Idaho after the Teton Dam disaster in 1976. Gary retired from the workforce in 1999.
In retirement, Gary remained active. He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was devoted to caring for his aging parents, and for Carolyn as she battled cancer. He loved to work in his yard and his garden, growing all types of vegetables that he would share with neighbors.
Gary is proceeded in death by Earl Abel (Father), Margaret Abel (Mother) and Carolyn Abel (Wife). He is survived by his two brothers and their spouses, Lyle and Claire, Ken and Marte, three sons, Joseph, Ty and Michael and spouse Jennifer, five wonderful grandchildren, Zachery, Cody, Brooke, Elena and Elisa, and one great granddaughter Piper.