Dwayne "Mike" Ables
September 07, 2011
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.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Al Larsen Family
09/14/2011
Nancy,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. From the time that we met you in the ICU Waiting Room at Methodist Hospital, you and your family have been on our prayers. After just losing my wife on August 1st I can sympathize with you over the loss of a precious love one. There are no words that can ease your sorrow, but may it strengthen you to realize that there are people that are lifting you up in prayer.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Al Larsen and family
Ankeny, Iowa
Jennifer and Keith Brown
09/12/2011
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. May the Lord comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff McDowell
09/12/2011
Nancy and family:
Please accept my condolances at Mike's passing. I always enjoyed him, and especially appreciated his dedication to family. Mary Lou and I truly wish you the peace of Christ.
Roger Roland
09/12/2011
To the family of Mike Ables,
A heartfelt sorrow for the loss of a great man. Although I did not know him real well, I do know through others that he was a true gem. Austin( Willy) talked about him in class and I am sure it will be a great loss for him and all of you. I have been praying for the situation since I heard about it. I hope today will be one of great reflection on a life well lived. God Bless , Roger Roland
Lynda and Larry Bates
09/11/2011
Nancy, Leslie and entire Ables Family,
Mike was a wonderful person to all who knew him. Larry and I always enjoyed are conversations with him. We our keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
God had another angel to help him.
Love the Bates Family
Jane, Alan, Noah and Ben Bollinger
09/10/2011
Nancy, Leslie, and Austin (I include your brother, too, Leslie, even though I haven't met him yet),
How blessed we are to have known him. It always made me smile to talk to him. I loved all his stories, and helpful information he would give me. Noah has no grandpa, and through your dad, husband, grandpa, Noah was able to see what it would be like to have one. I am eternally grateful to him for that and all the nice things he had to say about Noah.
He loved you all with a great passion. I bet he is laughing up in Heaven now, hopefully with my dad. There are no tears up there.
We will miss him.
Love to you all, and our prayers,
Jane
Lori LeClaire
09/09/2011
Nancy, Leslie and Austin,
Your husband, father and grandfather was a very special man. I was blessed to have known him. Please know I am praying for you.
Nora,Haileigh and Walt
09/08/2011
Our prayers and thought are with you. Mike will never be forgotten.\\