Maurice A. Azbell, 82, 229 E. 14th St., passed away Monday at Woodlawn Hospital. He was born in Twelve Mile on March 22, 1928, to Thurman and Lova (Snyder) Azbell. Maurice was one of seven children growing up with two sisters and four brothers. As a proud Flyer, he graduated from Akron High School in 1946. Following high school, patriotism beckoned him. Maurice served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During his stint in Korea he was wounded and was a recipient of the coveted Purple Heart. Maurice returned stateside and married his best friend and love of his life Berdene Callahan on Sept. 8, 1953. Their marriage of 57 1/2 years produced two beautiful daughters, Trillia and Mila. The family tree grew and added six grandchildren and three great-grandsons. As a signal man with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Co., Maurice was dedicated to the safe travel of trains for 29 years. Transitioning to Conrail Co. he continued to work for 12 years, retiring after 41 years of devotion to safety. A talented musician, Maurice mastered the organ, harmonica and guitar playing to his listeners all by ear. He was a member of the Over the Hill Gang band and his brother, Merrill, and friend Marvin Dillman, with Maurice, composed the "3 Musketeers" band. He was a loyal Masonic member for over 50 years of the F & AM Lodge No. 79, serving them in the earlier years as Past Worshipful Master. Camping at the Fair Oaks Campground on the shores of the Tippecanoe River was the setting where Maurice and Berdene enjoyed camping trips and fishing with Trillia and Mila. Always with artificial bait Maurice enjoyed teaching the girls the finer points of fishing for pan fish and landing the catch of the day. More recently Maurice enjoy the fresh air and soft breezes from his porch, strategically situated at 14th and Monroe streets. He'd keep an eye on the daily traffic and always share a warm smile and wave from his favorite chair. Maurice is lovingly remembered by his wife, Berdene, Rochester; two daughters, Trillia Gearhart and husband Dennis, and Mila Barts; two sisters, Janet Ballinger, Rochester, and Ruth Green, Rochester; three brothers, Wendell Azbell, North Vernon, Merrill Azbell, North Manchester, and Darle Azbell, Peru; two grandsons, Cory Gearhart and Clinton Barts; four granddaughters, Lindsey and Caitlin Barts, Ashley Craft and husband Christopher, and Emily Gearhart; three great-grandsons, Hunter, Alex, and Derek Craft; and David Barts, father of grandchildren, Lindsey, Caitlin and Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold Dean Azbell, in France during World War II. A celebration of the life of Maurice Azbell is at 1 p.m. Monday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Butch Troke officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Monday. A Masonic service is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Interment is at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the LeRoy Shelton American Legion No. 36 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1343, both of Rochester. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.