OUR FOUNDERS
Gladys Hanger Abell
Gladys Hanger Abell was born in 1902 to Charles Luther and Anna Lee Hanger. The Hanger family was a well-respected Fort Worth family where Mr. C.L. Hanger practiced law. Gladys graduated from Paschal High School and attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and the University of Texas at Austin. While in college, she studied nursing, but sadly, a family member fell ill, and she left college to care for them. Her time at university sparked a lifelong interest in nursing and a benevolence toward nursing students that the Foundation carries through today.
In 1939, Gladys and George Thomas Abell were married. As time passed, the newlyweds formed one of Midland’s first power couples. Together, George and Gladys established the Abell-Hanger Foundation in 1954. It was important for Gladys to preserve the respect she earned; thus Hanger was added to the Foundation’s name.
Upon George’s passing in 1979, she found herself thrust into the middle of a man’s world. With the help of Mr. James Trott and Mr. Lester Van Pelt, she preserved the Abell’s great fortune through sound decision-making and frugal financial discipline. Gladys served as the President of the Board of Trustees of the Abell-Hanger Foundation from 1976 to 1988. Upon her passing in 1988, the Abell-Hanger Foundation was Midland’s largest independent private foundation.
Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Abell was an active champion of civic and cultural causes, contributing her time, talents, energy, and financial resources as one of West Texas’ most philanthropic citizens. She served on the board of governors of Midland Memorial Hospital, the board of trustees of Midland Presbyterian Homes, and the President’s Club of the Museum of the Southwest. She took great pride in her service on the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library, and Hall of Fame board of trustees in that she and George championed its existence.
Her interests also included the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale, Midland Garden Club, Women’s Auxiliary of Midland Memorial Hospital, Delta Delta Delta Midland Alumnae Chapter, and the Midland Women’s Club, of which she was a life member.
George and Gladys shared a passion for patriotism and preserving the American Spirit. Mrs. Abell was a member of the Texas Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland.
Her strong-willed personality is the story of women who lead with grace and enduring generosity. Mrs. Abell died on September 24, 1988.
Gladys Hanger Abell
Gladys Hanger Abell was born in 1902 to Charles Luther and Anna Lee Hanger. The Hanger family was a well-respected Fort Worth family where Mr. C.L. Hanger practiced law. Gladys graduated from Paschal High School and attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and the University of Texas at Austin. While in college, she studied nursing, but sadly, a family member fell ill, and she left college to care for them. Her time at university sparked a lifelong interest in nursing and a benevolence toward nursing students that the Foundation carries through today.
In 1939, Gladys and George Thomas Abell were married. As time passed, the newlyweds formed one of Midland’s first power couples. Together, George and Gladys established the Abell-Hanger Foundation in 1954. It was important for Gladys to preserve the respect she earned; thus Hanger was added to the Foundation’s name.
Upon George’s passing in 1979, she found herself thrust into the middle of a man’s world. With the help of Mr. James Trott and Mr. Lester Van Pelt, she preserved the Abell’s great fortune through sound decision-making and frugal financial discipline. Gladys served as the President of the Board of Trustees of the Abell-Hanger Foundation from 1976 to 1988. Upon her passing in 1988, the Abell-Hanger Foundation was Midland’s largest independent private foundation.
Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Abell was an active champion of civic and cultural causes, contributing her time, talents, energy, and financial resources as one of West Texas’ most philanthropic citizens. She served on the board of governors of Midland Memorial Hospital, the board of trustees of Midland Presbyterian Homes, and the President’s Club of the Museum of the Southwest. She took great pride in her service on the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library, and Hall of Fame board of trustees in that she and George championed its existence.
Her interests also included the Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale, Midland Garden Club, Women’s Auxiliary of Midland Memorial Hospital, Delta Delta Delta Midland Alumnae Chapter, and the Midland Women’s Club, of which she was a life member.
George and Gladys shared a passion for patriotism and preserving the American Spirit. Mrs. Abell was a member of the Texas Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland.
Her strong-willed personality is the story of women who lead with grace and enduring generosity. Mrs. Abell died on September 24, 1988.
George Thomas Abell
George Thomas Abell was born in Wakeeney, Kansas. While attending Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University), he was a member of Gamma Omega, an honorary fraternity, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a social fraternity. He graduated with degrees in civil and irrigation engineering and mechanical engineering. In 1927 he moved to Midland, Texas, where he trained himself as a geologist and entered the petroleum business as an independent oil operator. In 1939, he married Gladys Hanger of Ft. Worth, the daughter of a pioneer Tarrant County family.
During his professional career, he was active in the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. He was a charter member of the Permian Basin Petroleum Pioneers Association.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Abell was also active in many civic, community cultural, social, educational and historical activities. He was a member of the Board of Education of the Midland Independent School District. He served as President of the Board during the construction of the present Midland High School auditorium. As a result of these accomplishments, he was awarded a life membership in the Texas Congress of the Parent-Teacher Association. He served as the Chairman of the first capital funds campaign for Midland Memorial Hospital and was a member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. A member of the Downtown Midland Rotary Club, he was recognized on numerous occasions for his contributions to the civic, cultural and educational betterment and growth of Midland.
George Abell devoted much time to the Boy Scouts of America, serving in various capacities in the Buffalo Trail Council. He led the capital fund campaign which secured the 6,000 acre camp in the Davis mountains. For his service to the Boy Scouts, he was awarded the highest recognition of the Boy Scouts, the Silver Beaver Award.
While serving as a director of the Midland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Abell originated the idea for the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame. He spent much of his time and effort collecting antique oil field equipment now displayed on the Museum’s grounds. Many of the oil paintings of historical events which are on display in the Museum were researched by George and commissioned by the Abell-Hanger Foundation. He was the first president of the Museum’s board of trustees and is a member of the Hall of Fame.
Mr. Abell died on August 13, 1979.