Emmett Ables

Emmett Lee Ables, 83, of Topeka, KS, died Saturday, January 24, 2026 at his home.

A lifelong resident of Topeka, he was born on May 28, 1942, to Ernest E. and Fleta L. (Stackhouse) Ables. He was the fifth of seven sons.

After graduating from Seaman High School in 1961, Emmett started working in excavation construction full time.

Shortly after graduation, he met and was married to Margaret Susan “Peggy Sue” (Edelblute), in 1962. Peggy Sue had lost both of her parents by the age of 17, and Emmett had lost his father at the age of 18, giving them in common the unfortunate tragedy of losing their parents too early in life. They had one daughter, Letitia Lee. They divorced in 1978.

Emmett then married Janice K. (Mosher) Raber in 1979. It was the second marriage for them both, and he deeply appreciated becoming a welcomed member of her entire family. Janice and Emmett enjoyed going out to eat with friends, attending the Moose Lodge, and spending time with their extended family in Kansas and South Dakota. They were married for more than 43 years, when Janice passed in 2022, after battling a long illness with Emmett by her side.

Emmett was well-known for his expert skills as a heavy equipment operator. Early on he owned an excavating company, rock quarries, a trucking company, and a gas tank removal business. He went to work for Midwest Foundations in the late ‘70s, and “he came with the company” when it was purchased by brothers Dan and Chris Merillat in 1980. He worked as a large drill rig operator and then as truck driver hauling and delivering drill rigs to job sites throughout the Midwest, until his retirement in 2019, at the age of 76.

He was never a stranger, especially at his favorite spots in North Topeka including The Pad, The North Star, and Gayles. Quick with a smile, he was eager to share a jar of Porubsky’s hot pickles and was always on a quest to find the best beef jerky. Emmett enjoyed gardening and giving away the vegetables that he grew, another sign of his generous nature.

Emmett was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Shawnee, OK. His third great grandpa Paul Vieux, and third great uncles James and Louis Vieux (all of French and Potawatomi decent), emigrated with their Potawatomi wives from the Wisconsin area to the Vermillion River area near Wamego. Louisville, KS is named after Louis who was an interpreter, businessman and signer of the Treaty of 1861, ensuring the rights for Potawatomi to attain U.S. Citizenship and to acquire land allotments. This group, which became known as the Citizen Potawatomi, was among the first tribes to enter into a treaty agreement that included both of the above conditions.

Thankful for having shared in his life are his daughter, Letti (Scott) Lister, grandson Christopher Lister of Spearfish, SD; and granddaughter Madiera (Jesse) Lister Sacrison, Salt Lake City, UT; his bonus daughter’s Linda (Jeff) Rahmeier, Topeka, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren; Lisa (Rich) Tarwater, Topeka; three grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents, and brothers Elmer, Ernest, Earl, Charles and an infant, Edwin Ables.

The family will greet friends during a Celebration of Life Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. Sharing of Memories will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Hospice or Citizen Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee, OK by going to www.potawatomieheritage.com.

https://www.potawatomiheritage.com/donations/1129/

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