Richard Frank Ables

Mr. Richard Frank Ables, 79, of Keystone passed away suddenly, Sunday, August 2, 2015. Mr. Ables was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on November 16, 1935 to the late Frank C. and Lillian (Gerdes) Ables. In 1954, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1962 as SSGT. In 1964 he received his BSCHE degree from the University of Texas and was employed by DuPont as a Chemical Engineer June 1964 before retiring December 31, 1986. He and his wife moved to Keystone Heights in 1970 from Waverly, Tennessee and immediately became faithful Parishioners of St. William Catholic Church where he taught religious education and ministered in Lecturing and Eucharistic Ministry. Mr. Ables was very instrumental in starting the Knights of Columbus at St. William Catholic Church; he was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus; he also served as the Past Grand Knight (PGK), Past Faithful Navigator (PFN), and Former District Deputy (FDD) with the Knights of Columbus. He was a Scout Master in Waverly, Tennessee and then at the Presbyterian Church at Midway from 1970 until 1976; he was also an active member of the Keystone Heights Lions Club as well as being involved in many other community activities. His two brothers, William Ables and Donald Ables had preceded him in death. Mr. Ables is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances (Ligi) Ables and their three children, Alicia Bellman (Jay) of Keystone Heights, Brian Ables (Lynn) of Pataskala, Ohio and Mark Ables (Sandra) of Lake Butler. Also left behind is his sister, Patricia Gola (Al) of Taylor, Texas; sister in law, Naomi Ables, wife of don Ables; ten grandchildren, Matthew Bellman, Rachel Bellman, Analise Bellman, Bradley Ables, Sean Ables, Alexander Ables, Michael Spangler, Scott Spangler, James Pickett and Jennifer Pickett along with four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 7, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. and the Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 8, 2015 at St. William Catholic Church with Father Mike Williams presiding. Interment will follow at the Keystone Heights cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested the donations be made to the FL K of C Charities, Inc./Vocation Fund, 8951 NW 12th Place, Plantation, FL 33322 or to the Charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com hide