Photo © by Kay Marshall

Obit posted by Janet Laubhan Flickinger

http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

A life of a man such as Mr. Abebe Nugussie cannot be condensed with few words. Mr. Abebe was born on June 27, 1942 in Dabat, Gonder Ethiopia. He died at the age of 69 on October 23, 2011 Norman,OK. He was the youngest of two brothers, his older brother Melese Negussie preceded him in death.

He was survived by his wife Fanta Kelemework and his children Ermias, Abigael, Ledia,  Rebka and their spouse Berhanu and Asteway and his grandchildren Rinnah, Abiel, Leaya , Hanok, Jehadu, David, Jonathan and many more family members and friends.

Having lost his parents at the very early age, he was raised by his grandmother whom he dearly loved and adored. In a time most children tended farm and animal husbandry in rural Ethiopia, Mr. Abebe attended school.  When he completed his elementary & secondary studies, Mr. Abebe was among the few young people selected to attend Tegbare Ede Technical College in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Because of his excellent academic record, he was among the three students picked to work for Ethiopian Airlines at the time of his graduating from college at a very young age. He was a dedicated hard working man, who was successful in what he did .He retired from Ethiopian Airlines  after 35 years..

Although Mr. Abebe and Mrs. Fanta grew up in the same town, they met in Addis Abeba. They were perfect for each other. Their marriage lasted over 36 years. In the 36 years they were married, Mr. Abebe and Mrs. Fanta had a marriage filled with happiness and commitment. They devoted their lives to each other to the end.

Mr. Abebe was a family man. He loved his wife and children.  He raised his family with Christian values. Faith was a very important part of Mr. Abebe’s life. To the last days of his life, Mr. Abebe held faith in God close to his heart. He loved  classical music and he was an Avid reader. A book and good coffee is never too far from wherever he sat. Reasoning was part and parcel of Mr. Abebe’s life. He loved to think about all things from academics, to current events, to science. Whenever his  family, friends and children needed guidance, they sought his advice.

The last days of Mr. Abebe’s life were filled with joy and happiness. A tragedy brought the entire family together on the very last day of Mr. Abebe’s life. He encouraged everyone with his kind words and showed so much strength that no one expected he would leave this world so soon. He will always be remembered for his witty comments, his corny jokes, his commitment to his family, his love for his wife and children and thirst for knowledge. 

He was the man to turn to for advice, guidance, and some deep conversation. To some he was a mentor a confidant and the voice of reasonableness.  To us, his children, he was much more he was our father, and he will always be our Babiye.