Honoring the Life of Ed Abel: A Beacon of Justice, Compassion, and Unwavering Resilience

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Ed Abel, a true luminary in the legal profession. Ed was not just an esteemed attorney; he was a beacon of hope whose contributions have indelibly shaped the field of law and legislation in Oklahoma. Revered by his peers, admired by plaintiffs' attorneys, and respected by defense attorneys, his life, light, and legacy have left an indelible mark on the Oklahoma legal community and beyond. His loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Ed's roots were humble yet rich in values. Raised in a family of educators, his father’s career led them through various towns in Oklahoma before settling in southwest Oklahoma City. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of eight, Ed learned responsibility early on, managing his condition while excelling in academics and sports.

Ed attended the University of Oklahoma, where his initial goal was to follow in his parents' footsteps and become a teacher. Encouraged by his father, Ed considered teaching speech and debate. He was an active member of the OU debate team, competing nationwide, including in New York and against the U.S. Air Force Academy team. However, it was his passion for debate that ultimately led him to pursue a career in law. During his sophomore year, Ed decided to pursue a double major in political science and public speaking. He supported himself by working at Emmer Brothers clothing store from high school through college and attended OU's law school on a scholarship.

Ed Abel's distinguished career began in 1966 after he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. In 1976, he made the courageous and inspired decision to establish Abel Law Firm, driven by a singular mission: to help those in need. In the 1970s, personal injury attorneys were few and far between, leaving many victims of wrongful injuries without the means to seek justice. Seeing this dire need, Ed created a firm dedicated to navigating the legal complexities and easing the burdens on Oklahoma families affected by accidents. His goal was simple but profound: to make justice accessible, especially for the most vulnerable.

Ed faced a significant personal challenge in his early thirties when his vision impairment due to diabetic retinopathy eventually led to blindness. Despite this, Ed continued to lead Abel Law Firm for over 50 years, adapting his practice with the help of full-time assistants who read to him and helped in court. His resilience and determination were evident as he tried over 300 cases, winning approximately 90 percent of them.

In 2017, during an interview with The Oklahoman, Ed shared some of the most impactful moments of his career. The veteran personal injury attorney once asked a client who was burned over 97 percent of his body in an oil field explosion how he withstood the stares he got in public. The Oklahoma State University student told Abel that he had to learn that “I'm not my neighbor's greatest concern.” The man dining next to him in a restaurant, for example, is far more worried about his family, job, or something else. Those words of strength stuck with Abel, whose own resilience was unwavering as he continued to practice law and achieve remarkable success after the loss of his eyesight.

Ed's legal acumen and steadfast dedication to justice brought him significant recognition over the years. He was inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, a reflection of his outstanding contributions to the legal field. Over his career, Ed garnered numerous accolades, including “Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” and being named one of the “Top Guns” by Best Lawyers. His courtroom successes are legendary, with multiple jury verdicts exceeding $1,000,000, and landmark cases achieving $15,000,000 and $10,000,000—at the time, the largest personal injury verdicts in Oklahoma.

Throughout his remarkable career, Ed achieved victories in thousands of cases, solidifying his reputation as a powerful advocate for justice. Beyond his professional life, Ed cherished time with his wife, Carol, their children, and grandchildren. Two of his children, Luke and Dacia, carry his light and legacy through their continued practice at the family firm. His active participation in Crossings Community Church was a great source of strength and hope for him and the community.

Ed’s enduring spirit, unwavering dedication to his clients, and exemplary community service have left a lasting imprint on the legal profession. The principles he instilled in Abel Law Firm continue to guide its mission, ensuring his legacy of compassion and justice endures.

As we mourn Ed’s passing, we also honor his extraordinary life and the profound impact he had on the legal community. His dedication to justice, resilience in adversity, and commitment to helping others will forever be remembered.

Rest in peace, Ed Abel. Your legacy will inspire and guide us all for generations to come.