Donald E. Abel, 66, of Nappanee, Ind., passed away at 4:45 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital, where he had been admitted Sunday.

He was born Dec. 28, 1946, in Elkhart, Ind., to Paul and Evelyn (Roose) Abel. He was a 1964 graduate of Wakarusa High School and lived his lifetime in this area.

Don was owner of Franklin Coach in Nappanee. He was very active in the community serving on the Nappanee Smokey Stovers Fire Dept. for 36 years, 7 of which were spent as chief. Don helped to start the Butch Nine Scholarship committee. He also served on the Fourth of July committee, Nappanee Redevelopment Commission from 1994-2007 and the NorthWood Dollars for Scholars committee. He was a former Elkhart County Councilman. Don was named Nappanee Citizen of the year in 2000.

Surviving are his sons: Jim (Heidi) Abel, Fishers, Ind.; Chris (Mindy) Abel, Nappanee; grandchildren: Sydney and Payton Abel, Fishers; Bryce and Katie Abel, Nappanee; sister: Becky (Johnnie) Moody, Granger, Ind.; brothers: Steve Abel, Nappanee; Rick (Gail) Abel, Wakarusa, Ind.; and his former wife: Rita Tucker, Wakarusa.

Visitation will take place from 2  p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at the funeral home. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 31,  at the funeral home with Reverend Ruben Chupp, Pastor of North Main Street Mennonite Church, will officiate. Burial will take place with full Fireman Honors including a final call at Nappanee Fire Department and final salute at Olive West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may directed to NorthWood Dollars for Scholars.