John F. Kiel of Abilene passed away on Monday March 6, 2017. He was born July 6, 1930 in Shamrock, Texas to Fred H. and Joann Neely Kiel. The family lived in several places before settling in Wichita Falls, Texas. John attended Wichita Falls schools and transferred to Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio for the last two years of high school. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. John served two years in the United States Army as a radar specialist during the Korean conflict. Following his separation from the Army, John was associated with his father in Fred H. Kiel Oil Company and later formed Curran-Kiel Oil Company with his brother in law, Tom Curran. He moved to Abilene in 1955 and operated drilling and production in the central Texas area until his retirement. John was an avid reader, golfer and bowler. He was active in the Abilene Bowling Association, serving several times as president. His association with the state organization was instrumental in bringing the state bowling championship to Abilene in the 1990s. Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Sally and brother in law Tom Curran and his grandson, Nicholas Whitaker. John is survived by his children Mary K Kiel Huff, husband Anthony and grandson Casey; daughter Bit Kiel Whitaker, husband Bill and grandchildren Riley and Kenzie; son Drei Kiel, wife Julia and grandson Curran. Also a sister Kay Kiel Aaron, husband Lee and many nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later time. Memorials can be made to The Nicholas Whitaker Memorial Scholarship Fund with Community Foundation of Abilene; The Muscular Dystrophy Association or Hendrick Hospice Care.