Jimmy Abel, Sr., 78, died Friday, April 30, 2010 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on July 2, 1931 in Belen, New Mexico, the son of Landon and Pearl (Oliver) Abel.

After graduating from Belen High School, he moved to Dodge City and has been a lifetime resident ever since. On July 7, 1951, he married Lorea Grace Trent in Clayton, New Mexico. She preceded him in death on February 2, 2005. He worked at the local power company for 44 years. After his retirement, he was able to spend his time enjoying his family and friends, fishing, and spending time at his cabin in Arkansas.

He was a member of Howard Gotschall Post # 1714 V.F.W. and the American Legion both of Dodge City as well as the G.I. Forum.

Mr. Abel is survived by one son, Jim Abel, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Dodge City; one daughter, Kim Cunningham and husband Bill of Dodge City; one brother, Richard Abel and wife Sue of Derby; one sister, Betty Olsen and husband Bud of Florida; four grandsons, Dr. Brandon Cunningham and wife Alaina of Kansas City, Brent Cunningham and wife Valerie of Dodge City, Brock Cunningham of Dodge City, and Scott Abel of Dodge City; one granddaughter, Sarah Abel of Dodge City; five great granddaughters, MacKenzie, Elizabeth, Braelynn, Camdyn, and Lexi Cunningham, and one great grandson, Tayton Cunningham. In addition to his wife, Lorea, Jimmy was preceded in death by twin sons, Randy Michael Abel and Ronnie Kent Abel in 1952, his parents, and an infant brother, Landon Abel, Jr

Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to Circle of Hope in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.