Ottumwa, Iowa - Ronald Merlin Abbas went to be with the Lord and Savior, whom he loved and served, on August 28, 2025.

He was born in Webster City, IA on January 31, 1935 to John and Hattie Abbas. As a young person he accepted Christ as his personal Savior under the influence and guidance of his father.

After graduating from high school, he attended Omaha Baptist Bible Institute in Omaha, NE (now Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA). It was there he met Beverly Clewell. Upon completing his four years of college in the pastoral course, they were married on June 29, 1957 at Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines.

His first place of ministry was at the First Baptist Church in Brayton, IA. It was there that two children were added to the family, Jolynn and Timothy. He was ordained into the ministry at this church. He then served as pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa, IA. This next church was North Court Baptist Church in Ottumwa, IA. While serving there this church became a mother church of two new churches, Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield, IA and Calvary Baptist Church in Burlington, IA. His last pastorate was in Bloomfield, IA before retiring. He also served as the director of the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp in Ventura, IA for 15 years.

After retirement he served as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Unionville, IA; Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield, IA; and Mark Baptist Church in Mark, IA and filled the pulpit for churches which were without a pastor. In each one of these places that he was called to serve, he saw God's definite hand of leading. Even though he often felt very inadequate for the task he could see God's han d of blessing. He considered having been able to serve the Lord through these years as a blessing and a privilege.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; their two children, Jolynn (Eric) Kelley and Tim Abbas; three granddaughters, Jennifer (Justin) Beals, Christine (Greg) Jennings and Angela (Nick) Otis; seven great-grandchildren, Nora, Henry, Renn, Lewis, Lucas, Roscoe and Calvin; three step-grandchildren, Eric Kelley Jr., Michael Kelley and Ashly Kelley; one sister, Janice (Del) Emmerson; one brother, Don (Kathy) Abbas; one brother-in-law, Richard Clewell and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Jean Abbas.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 2nd, at North Court Baptist Church. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to North Court Baptist Church or Iowa Regualar Baptist Camp.

Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.