Abraham George Stice

January 13, 1939 – July 22, 2026

Abraham George "Abe" Stice was born on January 13, 1939, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to George and Barbara Stice. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1957, and headed to Stillwater to attend Oklahoma State University, carrying with him childhood friendships that would last a lifetime. While at OSU, he participated in the Army ROTC program, a decision that would set the course for one of the most defining chapters of his life. In 1961, Abe married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Jackson, graduated from OSU, and accepted his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. It was a significant year that marked the beginning of both his military career and a marriage that would span more than six decades.

Following Officer Basic Training at Fort Knox, Abe earned the rank of Captain and became a skilled helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division, flying UH-1 "Huey" helicopters, AH-1 Cobra gunships, and OH-13/21 observation helicopters. In 1963, he deployed to Vietnam for his first tour of duty. After returning to the United States, he served as a flight instructor, helping train the next generation of Army aviators. In 1967, Abe returned to Vietnam where he was wounded in combat during his second tour of duty. His courage and heroism were recognized with the Silver Star for valor in combat; the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight; and the Purple Heart after being wounded in action. Abe remained deeply proud of his military service and the lifelong bonds it created with the men who served beside him.

As he transitioned to civilian life, Abe built a successful career with Exxon that eventually led to purchasing his own distributorship. In 1976, that opportunity brought Abe and Suzanne to Marble Falls, Texas where they raised their family. Living in the heart of Longhorn country never changed Abe's allegiance to the Oklahoma Sooners. A lifelong fan, he proudly wore crimson in a sea of burnt orange and never missed a chance to cheer on the Sooners. The friendly football rivalries with friends and neighbors became a tradition he enjoyed for many years.

After selling his business in 1991, Abe found a new way to continue serving others through the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. The position took Abe and Suzanne to North Carolina before bringing them back to Texas, where he served as Director of the Houston National Cemetery until his retirement in 2004. They then returned home to Marble Falls to enjoy retirement with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Abe was preceded in death by his parents, George and Barbara Stice; his sister, Helen Stice and his brother, Raymond Stice. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Suzanne Stice; his daughters, Barbara (Russ) Edwards, Julie (Mike) Shaffer, and Jennifer (Breck) Harrison; his grandchildren, Tucker (Jennifer), Jordan (Mary), Logan (Maggie), Connor (Amira), Makenzie (Clay), and Morgan; thirteen precious great-grandchildren, sisters-in -law Gaylene Jackson and Kay Stice and his nephew Kevin Stice.

Above all, Abe will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Veteran, and friend whose life was marked by service, loyalty, laughter, and an enduring love for

family.