John attended Lincoln Southeast High School his sophomore year and graduated from Shattuck School in Minnesota in 1962.
He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. John was the starting right guard on the University of Nebraska freshman’s football team in 1962.
John graduated from University of Arizona-Tucson with a bachelor’s degree where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
In 1967 he received his Army commission through ROTC and was a company commander in Korea and an instructor at the Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
John started working at Kerford Limestone in May 1970 and served as Chairman for many years.
Family members include his son Phil Abel; brother Jim (Mary) Abel; nephew Jack (Kayla) Abel; grandnephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents George and Elizabeth (Betty) Abel and sister Judy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Lincoln Sowers Foundation Nursing Scholarship Fund.