January 30, 2023, 75, Goldsboro –

Kenneth “Ken” Lamar Abel, Sr., age 75, passed away Monday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.  Born in Macon, Ga, he was the son of the late M.V. Abel, II, and Julia Conway Abel.  Ken served our country with the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972. Stationed in Mayport, FL, and Charleston, SC, he was a machinist mate on the USS Goodrich and the USS Robert H. McCard. In 1973, he joined the US Army Reserve, stationed at Fort Bragg. He was deployed to Ecuador, Desert Shield/Desert Storm for 18 months (1990). He was honorably discharged in 1996. Ken also retired from CP&L with 24 years of service in 1996. He worked at the Quaker Neck Steam Plant for 2 years and was Meter Reader for 22 years. He was a retired electrician with the Goldsboro Housing Authority.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Sauls officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held immediately following the service at the funeral home. A committal service, with military honors, will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, at 12:00 noon in Wayne Memorial Park.

Ken is survived by his spouse, Deborah “Debbie” Abel; his son, K.L. Abel, Jr. (Charity); his daughters,  Heather Abel Millard and Kristin Abel Haddow (Wylie Current); stepchildren, Ronnie Hood (LuAnne), Michelle Witherington, and Cindy Jo Lewis (Josh); brother, M. Virgil Abel, III (Diane); sister, Janice Whittaker; sister-in-law, Rachel Abel; grandchildren, Brittany Powell, Lauren Haddow, Kenny Millard, Dakota Abel, Madison Haddow, Isabella Abel, Rylee Millard, Nolan Haddow, Kolton Abel, and Oaklee Current; step-grandchildren, Jonathan Williams, Krystie Witherington, and Matthew Hood; great-grandchild, Cillian Powell-Kohls; several nieces, nephews and extended family

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Abel, Sr.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to
Kitty Askins Hospice Center
107 Handley Park Ct.
Goldsboro, NC 27534

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Abel family, and online condolences can be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com