Russell Leon "Abe" Wampler, 77, of Mansfield, formerly of Galion died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at MedCentral/Mansfield Hospital.

Born July 22, 1932 in Union City, Ind., he was the son of the late Russell Dwight Wampler and Garnett (Huffard) Wampler. He was preceded in death in July 11, 1970 by his wife, Mildred Jane (Riddle) Wampler whom he married on March 29, 1949.

Abe retired from General Motors in Ontario after 32 years where he was a millwright. He enjoyed playing golf with his GM buddies and liked to fish, especially while spending time at his former lake front home on Lake Erie. Abe was a snowbird, evading Ohio winters at his home in Destin, Fla. for many years. He liked to travel and visit his son Jeff, where he was stationed in the Coast Guard and his son Dick, when he lived in Calif.

Surviving are two sons and one daughter-in-law, Richard L. Wampler of Galion and Jeffrey and Stacey Wampler of Crestline; six grandchildren, Briann Jane Wampler, Brooke Renee Beale, Justin (Jenna) Hatfield and Emily, Nolan and Owen Hatfield; his long time companion with whom he shared his home, Doris Neff and her son and fiancée', Steve Neff and Lisa and their daughter, Zoë of Lexington and one brother-in-law, James Nigh of Galion.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Chalmer "Chuck" Wampler and one sister, Barbara Nigh.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home in Galion where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 with Rev. Joe Stafford officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Fairview Cemetery in Galion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Drive, Suite B, Perrysburg, OH 43551.