Abel Miranda, Sr., age 67, of Lodi, went home to be with the Lord on October 9, 2008, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born the oldest of 13 children to Refugio and Frances Miranda on August 1, 1941, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Abel was raised in Texas and in Lodi. He enjoyed fishing, tending to his garden, listening to the oldies, and playing his guitar and accordion. He was known for his ability to work on cars, whether it was his own or that of a family member or friend in need. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially at the large Miranda family gatherings where there was plenty of great food and fun. Abel was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandpa, brother, and uncle and will be dearly missed by all. His family can take comfort from knowing that he is safe in the arms of Jesus where there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more cancer. Someday they will all be united again in an unbroken circle for eternity. Abel is survived by his wife of 17 years: Maria Miranda of Lodi; children: Abel Hector (Lisa) Miranda of Lodi, Louie (Lola) Miranda of Lodi, Becky Miranda of Durango, Colorado, and Abel Miranda, Jr. of Stockton; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; siblings: Liz (Avelino) Graxeola of Lodi, Esther (Adam) Cobarrubio of Lodi, Carol (Ramon) Ayon of Lodi, Albina Juarez of Lodi, Jerry (Karen) Miranda of Stockton, David (Amy) Miranda of Lodi, Ruth (Oscar) Sandoval of Lodi, Steve (Nancy) Miranda of Lodi, and Lydia (Arnold) Cantu of Lodi; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Saraita Miranda, Rebecca Miranda, and Joel Miranda. Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home with an evening service held on Wednesday, October 15, at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with committal to immediately follow at CherokeeMemorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Abel Miranda Memorial Fund, Wells Fargo Acct. #0101151810.