GLORIA LOIS ABEL

Gloria Lois Abel was born July 20, 1937, to Andrew and Birdie (Meltke) Abel in Bellville.

Gloria attended Piney School and Bellville High. Graduated in 1955. Gloria played in the band. She played the saxophone. Gloria attended business school in Houston, Texas. She came back home to Bellville to work at Barrett Feed Store. There she met the love of her life Arnold Havemann on June 22, 1957, the two were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bellville. They honeymooned in San Marcos, Texas.

Gloria and Arnold had two children, Charles Arnold Havemann and Tracy Kim Havemann. They resided in Wallis for over 50 years.

Gloria worked in the Austin County Courthouse for Commodity Food Distribution of Austin County with JoAnn Murphy. She left there and went to work for Wallis State Bank for president C.J. Overgorer. Gloria went to work for the State of Texas Health Department – TB control.

Retired from the State of Texas for 30 years. Retiring April 2000. Later going back to work for the Austin County Library in Wallis.

Gloria finally called it quits working to stay home with Arnold to enjoy the farm life. They both loved to sit on the porch and watch the cows and their calves in the pasture.

Gloria was a cub scout leader, 4H leader, room mother, and many roles at St. John Lutheran Church in Wallis on the church board.

Gloria was also involved in the Austin County Saddle Club. Where the members square danced on horseback. Gloria was the caller to tell the team members where to go during their performance. Mom loved to say, “Swing those gates and let them ride!”

Gloria was a member of the Texas Extension Education. President of the Wallis Club for many years. Later she joined the Sealy Moonlighters EEA. She loved to crochet, embroidery, bake cookies, can cucumbers, and play bingo.

Oh yeah, Gloria was the chicken cleaning lady when we had chickens to butcher.

Gloria was an avid Wallis American Legion Member serving as president of the auxiliary for many years.

Gloria was Lutheran by faith and baptized at St. John Lutheran Church of Bellville.

You could say Gloria was well-known in the Austin County Area.

Gloria is preceded in death by husband Arnold Havemann 63 years of marriage. Parents Andrew and Birdie Meltke Abel. In-laws Willie and Emilee Havemann. Sister Sheryl Abel, Brother Robert Gene Abel, Brother Donald Wayne Abel, and late sister-in-law Patricia Abel.

Gloria is survived by her son Charles Arnold Havemann (Barbara). Daughter Tracy Kim Havemann Semmler.

Grandsons Charles Cody Havemann (Cassie), Justin William Havemann (Candi), Dakota Coy Ross Semmler. Great Grandchildren Peyton Havemann, Ryder Havemann, Isabella Havemann, Emma Havemann, Colten Havemann, Tatum Semmler, Rostyn Semmler and Amberlee Semmler.

Gloria will be missed by nieces and nephews, also numerous family members and many friends.

Gloria never met a stranger. Always smiling and making new friends.

Rest in peace our dear angel. Keep watch over your herd.