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Billy Joe Ables

Billy Joe Ables, 70, of Huntington, IN, died Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, at 2:20 p.m. at his home.

Mr. Ables worked with his father as a professional cabinet maker as a young man in Alabama and continued working in carpentry throughout his life. He had also worked in maintenance at Wabash Magnetics for 38 years and, after retirement, worked with his son for Apache Drywall for three years. He was the Chief Indian guide for the YMCA from 1975 to 1977 and coached the girls’ softball team at Wabash Magnetics. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God, where he served on the board. He was a leader in the Royal Rangers program and a part of the ministry.

He was born Sept. 8, 1944, in Toccoa, GA, to Robert W. and Margaret A. Rice Ables. He married Barbara Fay Nowlin on July 4, 1964, in Fayetteville, TN, and she survives.

Additional survivors include a son, Richard Joe Ables, of Huntington; three daughters, Rhonda (Steve) Sandvoss, of Rochester, IL, and Renae (Ben) Schmidt and Regina (Tom) Martz, both of Huntington; 14 grandchildren, Amber (Kyle) Caffee, Adam (Jama) Ables, Andrea Ables, Aaron Ables Paholak, Austin Ables, Bethany Schmidt, Brittany Sandvoss, Bret Sandvoss, Alan Schmidt, Chelsea Grayless, Paige Martz, Conner Martz, Joe Sandvoss and Jackson Martz; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Calling is Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home Huntington Chapel, in Huntington. A service will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at 11 a.m., with calling one hour prior to the service, at Bethel Assembly of God, 1640 E. Taylor St., Huntington. Rev. John Backes, Rev. Bill Royse and Rev. Mike Pieart will officiate. Interment will be at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assocation in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford St., Huntington, IN 46750. To sign the online guest registry, visit www.myersfuneralhomes.com.