Charles Harold Abel

Charles Harold Abel of Clovis, New Mexico passed away on February 14, 2026. Charlie was born on February 26, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York to Eleanor and Louis H. Abel, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ellen Abel Galzerno (John), his brother Reverend Louis H. Abel, Jr., his sister Virginia Abel Kallin, his sister-in-law Sally Colby Kley, his nephew Peter Kley, and his niece Paula Kley Conner. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Kley Abel, his daughter Cynthia Abel Morgan (Mark), his daughter Christine Abel Schejnin (Jamie), his sister Dorothy Abel, his brother-in-law Robert Kley, his grandchildren Max, Heath, and Kate, his nieces Cheryl and Dawn, his nephews Paul and John, and numerous grand and great grandnieces and grandnephews.
Charlie served 24 years in the Air Force, beginning ROTC at the University of Florida where he met Marilyn. Go Gators! They married in 1966. He graduated with a BA in Education and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967. He earned a Masters Degree in Logistics Management in 1972. He served at Lowry AFB Colorado, Barksdale AFB Louisiana, Malmstrom AFB Montana, Wright Patterson AFB Ohio, Ubon Thailand, Tinker AFB Oklahoma, RAF Fairford England, Loring AFB Maine, the Pentagon Washington DC, and Cannon AFB New Mexico where he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1991.
During this time he received the following medals: The Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (six times), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (twice), the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the National Defense Service Medal (twice), the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, the Air Force Overseas Tour Ribbons (twice), the Air Force Longevity Service Award (four times), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his Air Force retirement, he taught math at Clovis High School and Clovis Community College for 15 years. Upon Marilyn's retirement from teaching, they travelled the world in between his numerous rounds of golf.
Charlie was baptized, confirmed, and raised in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was a lifelong member, worshiping and serving in the local church, the district, and the national church body. His funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clovis, New Mexico on March 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM officiated by Pastor Thomas Reeder. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Clovis, New Mexico or to the American Cancer Society.
Details are being handled by Steed-Todd Funeral Home.