0021 - Richard Melvin Abe

Richard Melvin Abe

 (March 2, 1942 - November 25, 2010)

Note:  Richard's body was cremated.
No burial arrangements have been made at this time.

Cumberland Times-News

November 28, 2010

Richard Melvin Abe [Fort Ashby]

Cumberland Times-News

— FORT ASHBY, W.Va. — Richard Melvin Abe, 68, of Fort Ashby, W.Va., passed away Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Born March 2, 1942, Rich was the son of the late Melvin and Irene (Catlett) Abe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Michele Y. Cunningham.

Mr. Abe was a 1960 graduate of Fort Ashby High School.

He was a member of Local 307, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Rich also worked for Virginia Power at the Mount Storm Station and other coal-fired and hydro-plants from 1982-1996. He then returned to work with the Environmental Protection Group until 2003. Rich was well respected by all individuals who worked with him.

Richard was a member of Graceland Baptist Church in Short Gap. He also belonged to the Keyser Gideons of the Mineral County Camp. He was a member of Clinton Lodge 86, A.F. & A.M. and 32nd. Degree, Wheeling Scottish Rite Bodies.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of fifty years, Carol; one daughter, Tena Renee and very special friend Mark Smith, of Fort Ashby; three grandchildren, Chrystal Robinette and husband Shawn, of Fort Ashby,

Steven Whitacre and Skyler Malone, both of Short Gap; two great-grandsons, Brock and Luke Robinette, of Fort Ashby; three sisters, Patsy DeMarino and husband Frank, of Fort Ashby, Nedra Ruckman, of Wiley Ford, and Jeanette Lloyd, of Baltimore; two brothers, Ronald Abe and wife Darlene, of Beans Cove, and Walter Abe and

wife Donna, of Fort Ashby; one beloved uncle, Virgil Abe and wife Ruth, of Fort Ashby; one sister-in-law, Tina Jackson, of Fort Ashby; one brother-in-law, Raymond Ault and wife Della, of Fort Ashby; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard’s wife, Carol, was the light of his life and will forever be his true love. Dad “Pap” was our hero. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him and his great-grandsons made him smile until the very end.

Family and friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, Inc., Route 28, Fort Ashby (1-888-724-2251) on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will conduct a memorial service at the funeral home on Monday at 8:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be conducted in Graceland Baptist Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Oscar Ohler and Pastor Phillip Dayton officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Graceland Baptist Church, Route 2, Box 343, Ridgeley, WV 26753.

Condolences to the family may be posted after Mr. Abe’s obituary at www.upchurch-fh.com.