David G. Abel; 1946-2025

Dave was born on Aug. 28, 1946, in Merced, CA, to William H. Abel and Gloria M. Abel. He attended Merced Grammar School and Middle School. Dave’s family moved to Lovelock, NV, in 1960. He attended Pershing County High, where he played football, basketball, baseball and participated in high school rodeo. 

Following graduation, he enrolled in California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, CA. There, he met Susan Sparrow. He graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. Dave and Sue married on Dec. 7, 1968, in Santa Barbara, CA. The couple moved to Lovelock, where Dave’s family ranched. In 1969, they moved to Fallon, where Dave worked at the Fallon Feedlot. He attributed a lot of his “cow sense” to his time spent with manager Sam Broyles.  

In 1971, Dave and Sue made their home in Elko, NV, and he went to work for the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association as their executive secretary where he was a staunch supporter and participant in the Sagebrush Rebellion. Dave traveled across Nevada, Oregon, Idaho and California for 35 years as a field representative of Tri-State Livestock Credit Corporation. His years at Tri-State led to many friendships and an unprecedented knowledge of ranch backroads. He retired in 2011.  

Dave is proceeded in death by his parents, Bill and Gloria. Dave is survived by Sue, his wife of 56 years. He also leaves behind daughters, Gloria (Brian) Hutchison, of Spring Creek, NV, and Sarah (Gabe) Fogarty of Lone Pine, CA; grandchildren, Hillary Hutchison of Elko, Abby (Bradley) Ashby of Reno, NV, David Hutchison of Spring Creek, NV, Tommy and Rissa Fogarty of Lone Pine; brothers, Bill Abel of Missouri and Will Abel; and stepmother, Jeanie Abel of Templeton.  

Dave enjoyed braiding rawhide and collecting Spanish style bits and bridles. He always rode nice horses and raised his girls to appreciate the Western lifestyle. This summer, Dave’s ashes will be spread over the Lovelock Desert where he and his family ranched, with a birthday celebration to follow. The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Dave in his final years, especially the nurses and staff at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital and the superb dialysis staff at DCI. We appreciate the love that you showed him.