Jose Abella, 97, of Girard, died at 1:50 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Via Christi Village in Pittsburg.
Jose was born September 8, 1926, in Baracoa, Cuba, a son of Ramon and Adela (Hernandez) Abella. He grew up and attended schools in Cuba before moving to the United States in 1952 and receiving his bachelor's degree from Kansas State Teachers College, now PSU, in 1956.
Jose married Dorothy E. Goshert on March 15, 1955, in Oklahoma. Jose was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jose and Dorothy were married for 65 wonderful years before she preceded him in death on September 25, 2020.
Jose and Dorothy moved to Cuba in 1957 and returned to the United States in 1958 when he applied for citizenship and became a citizen in 1964.
Jose worked at Lightning's Implement Company in Girard. He later worked as a custodian in Girard schools before retiring in 2002.
Jose was a charter member of Girard Bible Church. Serving as an elder from its founding in 1969 until 2016, he was the last living member of the founding elder board. As an elder he was heavily involved in leading and shepherding the church body, which he did with faithfulness, integrity, and distinction.
Jose enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren, fishing, gardening, and sports.
Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca Knapp, and her husband, Patrick, of Centerton, Arkansas; his sons, Michael Abella, and his wife, Josie, of Lubbock, Texas, Mark Abella, and his wife, Gloria, of Midland, Texas, Matthew Abella, and his wife, Angel, of Girard; his grandchildren, Erin Haisman, Ian Knapp, Martha Banda, Luke Abella, Michael Abella, Jessica Abella, Terra Kuroda; his great-grandchildren, Mara Kuroda, Nova Kuroda, Ethan Haisman, Noah Haisman, Anaiah Banda, Natalia Banda; his sisters, Naomi Terrero of Moa, Cuba, Jolanda Reforma Urbara of Villa Clara, Cuba; his brothers, Andreas Abella of Havana, Cuba, Roberto Abella of Villa Clara, Cuba, Eliezer Abella of Miami, Florida, Louis Abella of Miami, Florida.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Jose was preceded in death by a sister, Adela Abella Hernandez, and a brother, Ramon Abella.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024, in the Girard Bible Church with Pastor Noah Hartmetz officiating. Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home where friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the Youth Programs at the Girard Bible Church and these may be left at the service or at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralhomes.com.
