Wendell Leon Azbell

Wendell Leon Azbell, 92, of North Vernon, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Autumn Trace Senior Communities in North Vernon.

Born August 28, 1931, in New Waverley, he was the son of Thurman and Lova (Snyder) Azbell. He married Carol Long on December 25, 1952, in Rochester; she preceded him in death on January 13, 2019.

Wendell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. He owned and operated C.E.W. in North Vernon for 22 years before retiring. He attended the First United Methodist Church in North Vernon. Wendell was a member Rolling Hills Shrine Club, the North Vernon Masonic Lodge #59, he was a Past Master of Bunker Hill Lodge #683 and a 50 year plus member of North Vernon Chapter #183, Order of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed antique cars, motorcycles and watching westerns.

Survivors include his son, Troy (Jason Gorham) Azbell of North Vernon; daughter, Sonja (Rob) Mills of North Vernon; son-in-law, Tom Clarkson of North Vernon;  grandchildren, Amanda (Brian Dickson) Spurgeon of Greensburg, Rachel (Zach) McCrory of Columbus, Kyle (Evelyn) Azbell of Franklin, Tennessee, Jake (Andrea) Azbell of Georgetown, Texas, Payton (Sara Denton) Azbell of Nashville, Tennessee, Dawson Azbell of Riddleton, Tennessee, Brandon (Rachel) Mills of North Vernon and Jared (Abby) Mills of Manhatton, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Brendon Spurgeon, and Ruby Spurgeon,  both of Greensburg,  Jace Mills, and Piper Mills, both of North Vernon, Linda McCrory of Columbus, and Mason Mills of Manhatton, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Renae Clarkson; brothers, Maurice, Darle, Merril and Dean Azbell; and sisters, Ruth Green and Janet Ballenger.

A funeral service for Wendell will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with the Rev. Joe Wyatt officiating. The visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday by members of North Vernon Masonic Lodge #59. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon with military graveside rites by member of Matt Hester Post #2021, V.F.W.

Memorials may be made in honor of Wendell to the First United Methodist Church, Gentiva Hospice or Activity Department at Autumn Trace.

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