The Life of DWAYNE RAE ABLES
Dwayne Rae Ables "Mike," a longtime Des Moines resident, went to be with the Lord on September 7, 2011 at Bright Kavanagh House, from complications of a stroke.
His legacy includes his bride of 41 years, Nancy; his daughter, Leslie; his son, Doug; grandchildren, Jessica and Austin, who was Papa's fishing buddy; his girls, Sophie and LuLu; and his brother, Doyle (Sharon). Mike was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
Mike was born August 11, 1932 in Humeston, IA. He was a US Marine during the Korean Conflict. Mike retired from Firestone in 1994 after 28 years of loyal service. He was the Pension and Insurance Benefit Representative for the Local 310 Union for 14 of those years. Mike enjoyed his retirement and never slowed down. He and Nancy enjoyed camping and vacations with friends. Mike served for 12 years in AWANAS and as an election poll Captain, never missing an election. Mike will be remembered for his sense of humor, his resourcefulness, and his love for God and his family.
His favorite activities were working the daily crossword, fishing, rooting for the Hawks, Cubs, Bears and the underdog, yard work, babysitting LuLu, daily talks with, and time spent teaching Austin how to be a good man, and running errands. He never passed a weed he wouldn't pull. He was always there for his family and friends. He was wrong once, but then figured out he was right. Mike didn’t know a stranger. He had a story for every person, place or thing he had ever known, some stories more colorful than others. Mike believed duct tape and super glue could fix anything. He had a soft heart and strong will.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Mike was a special man who left behind a legacy of love and memories for all of us who knew him to cherish until we are together again.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family and they will be given to Lighthouse Community Church.
