Francis Arlee Abell, 83, of Leonardtown, MD died February 21, 2009 at his residence. Born August 3, 1925 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of Tom T. Abell and Violet Ching Bussler.

He was raised by Joe and Maide Thompson. He was the loving husband of Rosalie C. Abell.

He is survived by his children John F. Abell, Billy Abell, and Brenda Abell; siblings Roger Bussler, Mary Tennyson, Ada Russell, Annie McCully, Claudia Mattingly and Katie Kozak; five grandchildren Mike Abell, John F. Abell, Jr., Julie Jackson, Tammy Buckler and Christina Buckler; five great grandchildren Victoria Johnson, Dylan Jackson, Carmen Jackson, Kya Abell and Trent Abell.

He was preceded in death by two children Deborah Buckler Abell and Michael W. Abell; five siblings Frank Abell, Johnny Abell, Joe Thompson, Nathaniel Thompson and Hoover Bussler.

Mr. Abell was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident . He worked as a equipment operator for the State of Maryland.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 5:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 1:00 PM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be John F. Abell, Jr., Joe Jackson, Frankie Lathrum, David Abell, Ricky Burris and Clifton Wyrick.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements proivded by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.