Lester H. Abel, 72, of Bloomington formerly of Fairbury, died at 5:55 am, Friday, September 5, 2008 at Heartland Manor Care, Normal.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 pm, Monday, September 8, 2008 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7:30 pm by the Tarbolton Masonic Lodge #351, Fairbury.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury, with Pastor Charles McDonald officiating the service. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Mr. Abel was born May 22, 1936 in Saybrook, IL the son of Roy A. and Vedra C. (Waggoner) Abel. He married Anna M. Johnson on August 14, 1955 in Gibson City, IL. She survives in Bloomington.

Also surviving are two daughters; Laurie (Steve) Beyer, Bloomington, Shawna Wenger, Bloomington, one son; Jeffrey (Micki) Abel, Bloomington, eight grandchildren; Kristi Fojtik, Bloomington, McKay Wenger, Fairbury, Malaney Abel, Madison Abel, Jack Abel, Scott Beyer, Daniel Beyer and Faithe Wenger all of Bloomington, one great granddaughter; Lillyanne Brennan, Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one daughter; Sue Ann Fojtik she passed away September 10, 1998.

Les was the owner operator of Abel Safe and File Co., and Abel Agri-Products of Fairbury. He was a Livingston County Board Member, Republican Precinct Committeeman, an Auxiliary Livingston County Deputy, a member of Bloomington Consistory of the Shrine and the Tarbolton Masonic Lodge #351 in Fairbury.

He was an avid collector, fisherman, hunter and loved spending time with his grandchildren and beloved dog "Patch".

The family suggests that memorials be directed to the Community Cancer Center, Normal or Shriner's Children's Hospital.