Virgil John Abel, Jr., age 79, of Canton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, April 25, 2016 after struggling with declining health for several months. Born to Virgil, Sr. and Kathleen (Weaver) March 29, 1937 in Canton where he spent most of his life, he leaves behind a sister, Virginia Bahmiller, and two brothers, Bill (Janet) and Dale. He was an electrician with the Timken Company and a 50 year member of the Canton Lodge #60, F&AM. He and his wife are long time members of the First Friends Church. He loved gardening, painting and spending time with family. He married the love of his life, Betty Bailey, on November 22, 1957. Together they raised four devoted and loving sons, Virgil, III (Debbie), Vincent (Michele), Mark (Rosa) and Michael (Kim). He leaves behind 9 treasured grandchildren, Christina (Anthony) Baad, Michelle Zaap, Aimee Abel, Shaun (Lisa) Abel, Jake (Allison) Abel, Jessica Abel, Alexandra Abel, Rachel Abel and Tyler Abel. His legacy continues with 8 great grandchildren. Virgil was also blessed with many loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful and caring doctors and nurses of the Compassionate Care Center in Canton along with the wonderful nursing and care team at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Louisville. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home 4817 Cleveland Ave. N.W. with Pastor Paul Johnson officiating. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call 6 to 8 Wednesday and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. A Masonic service will be held at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Friends Church 5455 Market Ave. N., Canton, Ohio 44714. Please sign the guest book.