James "Bob" Robert Abel

James Robert "Bob" Abel, lovingly known as Bob and Jim, was born on February 5, 1947, in Wellington, Texas. He passed away on September 6, 2026, in Killeen, Texas, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love with them always.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States military for 24 years. During his distinguished military career, he served in the Vietnam War and had the opportunity to travel to many countries. His years of service were an important part of his life and a source of pride for him and his family.

Outside of his military career, Jim enjoyed the simple things that made life special. He loved woodworking, reading, working in the yard, and watching science-fiction movies and shows. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, college football, the NFL, and baseball. He also loved flying airplanes and had a special fondness for Marvin the Martian.

But perhaps what those who knew him will remember most was his positive outlook on life. Jim had a way of believing that things would always be alright. Even when he was hurting and nearing the end of his life, he remained sure that the pain would be gone and that he would soon be feeling better. He believed that somehow, everything was going to be alright.

That was Jim.

And even now, as his family says goodbye, they can almost hear him saying:

“It’s a new adventure… Go and enjoy it!”

Those words capture the way he lived—looking ahead, staying positive, and reminding the people he loved to keep going and enjoy the journey.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Elton Abel; his mother, Robbie (Bobbie) Mae Abel; his sister, Bettie Mae Wright; and his wife, Deborah Jean Abel (Rogas).

He is survived by his sister, June Elaine Jordan, and brother, Jimmie Dale Abel; his son,Robert Shane Abel; daughters, Allison Ann McCumbee and Tami Lynn Smith; daughter-in-law, Christi Abel; sons-in-law, Jamie McCumbee and Donnie Smith; his grandchildren, Ashlen Talbot, Ben Talbot, Darian Abel, Jordan Abel, Gwendalyn Nicole Brock, Malinda Anne Felan, Thomas Javier Felan, Crista Angelina English, Chance Wade English, Catherine Dawn Owings, Austin Lee Rogers, Dylan Robert Abel, Hannah Grace Abel, Dallas Lee Browne, Dorothy Jean Smith, Piper Lynne Noelle Harrison, and Wyatt Ashton Scott Harrison; and his great-grandchildren, Ares Abel, Judah Talbot, Frankie Knowles, Isabella Rose Del’Valle, Jordan Manuel Del’Valle, Luna Dawn Rose Abel, and Elijah Cruz Felan.

His life was filled with family, service, adventures, hobbies, stories, and countless memories. While he will be deeply missed, the love he gave and the positive spirit he shared will live on in everyone who knew him.

Until the next adventure, Jim.

We love you. We will miss you.

And we’ll remember what you always reminded us:

It’s going to be alright.

A service, including full military honors, will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas.