Joseph Donald Abell

A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Don was born on March 18, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri to Henry Bertram Abell and Anna Mary Flanagan Abell. He grew up in Northeast Kansas City, attended Holy Cross Grade School, and graduated from Northeast High School in 1942.

Don met his sweetheart, Henrietta Beverung, “the pretty girl in the red hat,” at church on a Sunday in April, 1941. In December 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army and went on to serve his country with distinction as a proud member of the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division 501. Don parachuted into Nazi-occupied France in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, and later jumped into Holland, where he was injured in combat. He was awarded numerous military accommodations, including the Purple Heart, for his honorable service.

After Don returned home from the war, he married Henrietta on June 9, 1945. They were blessed with five children. It was a love story that lasted 70 years. He went to work for NAPA Auto Parts, where he worked for 43 years before retiring in 1986 as sales manager. He was a lifelong Catholic and was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raytown, Missouri for over 60 years, where he served as a lector and eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4962.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James Henry Abell; and sister Betty Forrest. Don is survived by his wife Henrietta; sons Joe Abell (Leila) of Lee’s Summit, Jim Abell of Kansas City, and Jeff Abell (Cynthia) of Kansas City; daughters Donna McEntee (John) of Lee’s Summit, and Paula Allegri (Sam) of Kansas City; thirteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Don enjoyed traveling with Henrietta and golfing with friends. He was a family man who will always be remembered by his family, friends, and loved ones as a man of his word with a great sense of humor, integrity, and a hard work ethic.

Services will be held Monday, January 11, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW 150 Highway in Lee’s Summit, MO. Rosary will be recited at 9:30AM, followed by visitation from 10 to 11, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11. Pallbearers will be his eight grandsons. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ladies of Charity or Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Arr.: Newcomer's Floral Hills, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133 (816) 353-1218.