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Lifetime ORA member, ORA Legislative Director, and Second Amendment supporter, Mr. Paul Abel, has passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
A close friend of Mr. Abel has given us permission to share the following:

It is with a heavy heart that I post the passing of Paul Abel. Paul joined his wife Joyce at approximately 10:47 pm last night, less than two weeks after being diagnosed with advanced cancer in both his liver and lungs.

Paul was a retired Shawnee Police Officer and served as Sheriff of Pottawatomie County from Nov. of '82 til '89. I served under Paul both as a Deputy Sheriff and Reserve Deputy his entire time in office. Paul was a very proactive Law Enforcement Officer. After leaving the Sheriff's Office Paul owned and operated Shootin' Iron Practical Shooting Academy in Bethel Acres. He was the driving force in passing Oklahoma's Self Defense Act, the law that allows for licensed concealed carry by non-law enforcement persons. To say that Paul touched many lives, both directly and indirectly, would be a tremendous understatement. Many people, including current Sheriff Mike Booth, started their law enforcement careers under him. He was certainly a man to ride the river with.

To my family this is so much more than just the loss of a friend. Paul and my Dad had been good friends since high school. My children knew Paul as "Uncle Paul" since their births. For me, there is no clear cut title that fits Paul's and my relationship. Boss, teacher, confidant, older brother, second dad, back-up...he was all of these and so much more. Another hole in my life that can't be filled.

Paul, I know that God has granted you HIs Grace and swift journey to His side. Hug Joyce for me.

Adios, Amigo. Vaya con Dios. Keep the campfire burning, a whole bunch of us will be along before too long.

Services for Paul Abel will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK, Wednesday, Nov. 13th at 1:00 p.m. Walker Funeral Home is handling the service.

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