In Loving Memory of Billy M. Abel

William “Billy” M Abel, age 65, of Strafford, Missouri passed away peacefully on January 2, 2021 at his beloved home.

Billy was born June 3, 1955 in Trinidad, Colorado to Guy and Peggy Abel. He graduated from Raton High School in 1973.  He attended college at Eastern New Mexico University and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Billy was also a lifetime member of The Elks Lodge #409.

In 1987 Billy bought A-1 Shoe and Boot Repair Shop in Springfield, Missouri.  He served the city of Springfield and surrounding cities and states. He had several big accounts such as PFI, The Baldknobbers and The Presley’s and many loyal customers until he retired June 1, 2020. He loved repairing boots and shoes. He was very good at his job and proud of his work. Over the 33 years of business, he had a few employees, but his most valuable and loyal employees were his Dad and brother.

Apart from being a businessman, he also had a love for sports. He played basketball and baseball, then, later in life he became an avid golfer.

He is preceded in death by sister Cheryl Salazar. He is survived by his wife Julie Abel; a daughter Chelsea Abel of Republic, MO; a son Jeremiah (Kirsten) Abel of Ames, Iowa; and two stepdaughters Amanda Carter (Chris) and Alicia Gagnon both of Strafford; a brother Guy Abel III of Springfield. Four Grandchildren; Zoe Abel, Journi Ellis and Lila and Mia Abel, four step- grandchildren; Sierra, Kaileigh and Emlyn Stewart and Brennan Gagnon.

Visitation was held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO on Thursday, January 7, 2021.