Kenneth “Mike” Abell

Surrounded by his loving family, Mike Abell passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord on March 30, 2024, at the Sheridan VA Medical Center. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose Christian faith was an essential part of his life. He always kept his rosary within reach.

Mike grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received a parochial education and enjoyed the beauty of Pike’s Peak and The Garden of the Gods.

Mike was a proud American patriot who served in the U.S. Navy for four years. During the Vietnam War, he was deployed for three tours to the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of South Vietnam. His assigned duty was as a plane captain who directed the take-offs and landings of Navy jets on the flight deck of the several aircraft carriers on which he was stationed.

Mike was known for his sense of humor and fondness for slapstick comedy — from dressing up in a gorilla suit to wearing his homemade eyeballs that made him look like a cartoon character. He was always good for a laugh and his loved ones will miss this most about him.

When he was younger, Mike was a dedicated long-distance runner who competed in numerous races in the western United States. The many marathons and ultra-marathons eventually took their toll on his joints, and he had to give up running, so he enjoyed walking until his health declined.

Later in life, Mike focused his attention on his beloved grandchildren. He loved watching them play sports. He was an avid football fan, especially rooting for the Denver Broncos.

We want to thank the staff of the Eagle Living Center at the Sheridan VA Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion they showered on Mike as well as the support they have given to our family over the past month.

Mike will be buried beside his son, James, who passed in 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John and Thelma Abell, his older brothers, Don and Jay, and his older sister, Nita. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sonja Abell, his sisters, Theresa Hohl and Debbie Duncan, his daughter, Sasha Johnston, her husband Chris Johnston, and their children, Eli, Caleb and Lexi.

A funeral service for Mike will be celebrated on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Kane’s Funeral Home, 689 Meridian St, Sheridan, Wyoming.

Donations in memoriam can be made to St. Jude’s

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.