Abdou Mikiel Aboud, born July 26, 1921, was called home to heaven on Sunday, May 1, 2011. A longtime resident of El Paso, Texas, Abdou was a wonderful gift to his friends and family. Abdou died peacefully in his home surrounded by family and caregivers who were honored to care for him this past year. Abdou was known for his integrity, work ethic and his devotion to family and friends. He was a successful businessman and real estate investor who lived every day of his life by the "golden rule". He was a great role model for his family and business associates, and took great pride in providing words of wisdom to those he knew. Abdou owned and operated Economy Furniture Company for over 60 years. He was a member of the United States Army and served his country honorably during the WWII conflict. He was a Shriner and a member of the Masonic Lodge of El Paso. He served on numerous downtown business advisory boards throughout his merchant career. He was an avid sports enthusiast, and excelled at handball while competing weekly at the downtown YMCA. Abdou enjoyed his morning cup of coffee with his buddies that congregated at the old Mesa St. Grandy's and McDonald's. Abdou loved God and his family and now guards the gates of heaven with his family and friends that have preceded him in death, waiting for those of us who will join him soon. He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Marcy, and his beloved grandson, Braden Aboud. Abdou is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Claire Aboud and his sister Nazzera Aboud. He is also survived by his sons, Dwayne Aboud (Michele), Russell Aboud and Gary Aboud (Cindi), grandchildren; Morgan Aboud Mazza (Tom), Nicole Grenier (Eddie), Casey Aboud, Brian Diaz, Laci Aboud, Haley Aboud, Russell Aboud, Jr., Avery Aboud, great-grandchildren; Nicholas Vaughn, Logan Aboud and Leland Morrill. Abdou's family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers, Lulu, Chella, Carmen, Mari and Vicki, who spent countless hours giving the loving care he deserved in his last year of his life. A special thanks to CIMA Hospice and nurses Maggie and Brenda. A viewing will be conducted on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, with Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Martin Funeral Home West. A Graveside Service will be held on May 5, 2011 at 10:00am at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation, 8001 N. Mesa, Box 240, El Paso, Texas 79922 or CIMA Hospice, 6090 Surety Drive, Suite 102, El Paso, Texas 79905. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com

Published in El Paso Times from May 5 to May 7, 2011