Michael Wathen Abell, 75, of Bardstown, KY, passed away peacefully, with his wife and children by his side, on Tuesday, January 18, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lexington, KY. He was born on November 26, 1946 in Lebanon, KY to the late James Edwin and Frances Rebecca (Fannie Brown) Abell. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Leo and Annie Laurie Hagan, one brother-in-law, Bernard Hagen of Louisville, KY. and one sister-in-law Betty Turner Abell. Survivors include his devoted wife of 50 plus years, Sheila Hagan Abell, and two children, Eric Wathen Abell of Denver, CO and Laurie Rebecca Abell (Justin) also of Denver, CO. Additional survivors include six siblings, James Edwin, Jr. (Leah) of New Bern, NC, George (Judy) of Claremont, CA, J.Patrick (Teresa) of Frankfort, KY, Rebecca of Louisville, KY, Beth McClean (Bob) of Middletown, KY, and Joe (Laura Lee) of Franklin, OH. Mike is also survived by his in-laws on the Hagan side of the family as well as many nieces and nephews who thought the world of him. Mike was a loving husband and father and a good friend to many. He graduated from St. Augustine Grade and High School in Lebanon, KY before graduating from Bellarmine University, where he was Student Government President. After college Mike joined the Peace Corp and served in Peru from 1968 to 1970. From 1982 to 1993 Mike served as Nelson County Judge Executive. From 1994 thru 2000, he was Director of Purchasing for the State of KY. He retired as Chief Financial Officer for Bardstown City Government 2000. Visitation will be at Barlow Funeral Home on Friday January 28, 2022 from 4pm until 8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday January 29, 2022 at 11am at the St. Joseph Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked contribution be made to the following: Sister of Charity of Nazareth, Office of Missions and Advancements, P.O Box 9 , Nazareth, KY 40004 ; Bernheim Forest Memorial Office, 2499 Clermont Road, P.O. Box 130, Clermont, KY 40110; National Peace Corp Association, 1825 Connecticut Ave NW#800, Washington, DC , 20009