Steve Abel

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Steve Abel, age 69, of Dayton, Tennessee, on May 20, 2026. He was born in Dayton on December 31, 1956, to Lester David Abel Sr. and Lois Francisco Abel.

Steve enjoyed fishing and always had fun fishing stories to tell. He enjoyed riding around town with his dog, CoCo, and spending quiet days at home watching Fox News. More than anything, he found happiness in being surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lori; a cherished son to his mother, Lois; a loving brother to his four siblings; a treasured friend to his many friends; and a man who loved the Lord. He was deeply loved by and dedicated to his large family. One of five children, Steve treasured time spent with his wife and family, especially sitting together, laughing, and sharing stories from the past. He also took great pride in his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester David Abel Sr., and his mother-in-law, Norma Jean Fraley.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lori Fraley Abel, his mother, Lois Francisco Abel, three sisters, Linda Kay (Paul) Cleveland of Alabama, Pam (Rod) Foster of New Mexico, and Tina (Luke) Camlic of Georgia; and one brother, David (Linda) Abel Jr. of Dayton. Father in Law Malcolm Fraley of Dayton. He is also survived by a best friend who was like a brother, Mike Sinclair, as well as ten nieces and nephews and twenty-one great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home with Rev. Luke Camlic, Rev. Paul Cleveland, and Rev. Rod Foster officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service. He will  be laid to rest in the Buttram Cemetery in Dayton, Tennessee.

Steve will be remembered for his kind heart, steady faith, easy laughter, and the warmth he brought into every room. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

Coulter Garrison Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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