Clarence Owen Abel

Clarence Owen Abel, age 81, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away January 8, 2024 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania. He was born April 6, 1942, in Samaria, Michigan, to the late Leonard and Irene (Spencer) Abel.

Clarence graduated from Bedford High School. He worked at Yellow Freight in Toledo for many years, along with other jobs throughout the years. A man of faith, he grew up attending Grace United Methodist Church, where he played the organ. When Grace United Methodist Church closed, he started to attend Whiteford Wesleyan Church. Clarence was also a local pastor for Osseo Methodist Church in Michigan.

Clarence had a knack for just about everything. He was very talented in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for family, friends, and church members. Clarence knew how to knit, crochet, and quilt beautiful pieces. He organized and taught quilting and even started a program, when he was with Grace United Methodist Church, called Prayers and Squares. He also enjoyed reading and learning anything new. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The time spent together created beautiful memories that his family will forever remember. His love, hugs, stubbornness, and cooking will forever be missed by those who knew him. This isn't goodbye, but we will see you again!

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his loving daughter, Beth (Mike) Ewing; six grandchildren, Lashelle Houke, Justin Houke, Sarah (Jon) Belcher, Courtney (Deanna) Grady, Andrew (Jessica) Grady, and Crystal (George) Wagner; ten great grandchildren, Jaden, Dameon, Tobias, Addison, Raina, Mason, Abigail, Jon III, Ziva Irene, and Joey; son-in-law, Tim Grady; sister, Hazel Abel-Brown; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Abel; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death and greeted in Heaven by his lovely wife of 59 years, Carolyn Abel, whom he married on September 22, 1962; son, Jeffrey Abel; daughter, Jennifer Grady; siblings, Karl Abel, Ralph Abel, and Mary Lemley; and a brother-in-law, Macklin Brown.

A private family burial will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Berg Cemetery in Montgomery, Michigan, where Clarence will be laid to rest next to Carolyn. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Whiteford Wesleyan Church, 10285 Sylvania-Petersburg Rd, Ottawa Lake, Michigan 49267, with Pastor Rick Deisler officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Whiteford Wesleyan Church.

To share a memory of Clarence or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.