Robert R. "Bob" Rabel

Former Pastor of Commerce Community Church, Robert R. "Bob" Rabel, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Integris Miami Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born November 18, 1930 in Peoria, IL to Leslie and Edna Lillian (Harmon) Rabel. He attended high school in Peoria, IL for 2 ½ years before entering the United States Army, serving during the Korean War era. While in the Army, he obtained his GED. He later attended Bethesda Bible School in Portland, Oregon, as well as night school, where he received his certification in accounting. He began his career as a voucher and bill clerk for the Kansas City R.R. He also worked for Haralson Construction Company, Miami Lumber Company, as office manager, and Gosney Printing Company in Miami as office manager. In 1957, Bob married his true love, Evelyn Joy "Evie" Schink in Kansas City, MO. With their love for God, and their passion to serve, Bob and Evie, along with a number of faithful people established the Commerce Community Church in 1968 and served there for more than 47 years, retiring in 2015. Bob was an avid gardener and had bragging rights in his tomatoes and squash. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and watching the weather. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and great fellowship. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. He leaves his legacy to his loving wife, Evie; 2 sons, Robert E. "Bob" Rabel and wife, Christy, of rural Wyandotte, and Ronald L. "Ron" Rabel and wife, Lauri, of Miami; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Frank Smith of Greensville, SC; 3 sisters, Helen Adams of Zanesville, OH, Joyce Cowan of Hillsboro, IN, and Loretta Kotmoyer, of Fayetteville, NC; as well as a host of friends. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Commerce Community Church. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at the church. Pastor Ron Rabel will officiate. Grandsons will serve as casket bearers, Brandon Rabel, Brandon Leggett, Jared Beachner, Jonas Rabel, Jared Rabel, and Matthew Mantle. Honorary casket bearer will be Chastin Leggett. Interment will be at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert R. Rabel Memorial Fund, c/o Commerce Community Church. Bob will lie in state at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Commerce until visitation time.

Robert R. "Bob" Rabel

November 18, 1930 - January 28, 2018