Richard John "Dick" Abels, 61, Celina, died at 3:37 p.m. April 19, 2010, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born Sept. 16, 1948, in Celina, to Wilfred B. and Rosemary Birkmeyer Abels. His mother survives in Celina. He married Wilma Henderson, who survives.

Also surviving is a son, Jeff Wicker, Celina, two daughters, Angela Abels and Pamela (Charles) Archer, all of Celina, two brothers, Jerry Abels, Denver, Colo., and Tom (Lynn) Abels, Rockford; two sisters, Tina (Steve) Temple, Celina, and Mary Abels, Lima; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He retired from International Harvester, Fort Wayne, Ind., and was a subcontractor for Time Warner Cable. He was a 1966 graduate of Coldwater High School. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he graduated from aircraft mechanics school. He served in the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic and was awarded a Bronze Star. He was a member of AMVETS Post in Celina and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial with military honors by The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard is 1 p.m. Monday at Dayton National Cemetery.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10:15 a.m. Friday at W.H. Dick and Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina.

Contributions can be made to the Mercer County Veterans Transportation Services or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences can be left at dick.hellwarth@verizon.net.