Stephen G. Abel

Steve Abel passed from this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Visitation and service information will be posted soon as family and friends make these decisions.

Steve Abel was born July 16, 1950 in Missouri, to Francis and Amy Abel, but he would tell you that he got to Texas as soon as he could at the age of two when his family moved to Graham. He grew up in typical baby boomer fashion in what he described as a "Mayberryish" childhood.

He attended the University of North Texas on what he jokingly called the 5-year plan. After graduation, he was employed part time at KRBC-TV in Abilene, but that soon evolved into a full-time career in broadcast news for the next 17 years.

While working at KRBC, Steve met and married the love of his life, Nancy West, on February 11, 1978. If he were here, he would say, "what a wife and what a life!" This loving and dedicated partnership was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ashley and Sara.

After Steve's broadcast career, he went to work in public relations as a spokesman for Lockheed Martin, a fortune 100 company. He finished his career as President and CEO of the Abilene Better Business Bureau. Steve was a devoted employee going beyond expectations and often silently putting in more hours than expected. His work ethic and philosophy of leaving things a little better than he found them resulted in various community service roles in Abilene.

He served on numerous United Way committees including needs assessment and the 211 Advisory Board. He also served on the Board of Directors for Abilene Literacy Council, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas and two different tenures on Goodwill West Texas. Additionally, he was on the Education Council of the Abilene Chamber and was proud to serve as an Honorary Commander for the 7th Contracting Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base for 22 years.

Steve and Nancy attended Holy Family Church for over 40 years. They participated in many committees including the initial fundraising for a new church building on Buffalo Gap Road and annual appeals of the "Pony Express."

Steve is survived by his brother Kevin Abel, niece Brittany Yarbrough, nephew Aaron Abel, lifelong friend Craig McLean and wife Amy and special friends Toni and James Brewer and Lori Reyna and husband Frank, as well as the parish of Holy Family Church.

The Abel's family time together on earth was woefully short. Now, Sara, Ashley, Nancy, and Steve are together again forever Praising Him!

Memorials may be given to the donor's favorite charity or to the Ashley and Sara Abel memorial Scholarship at the Abilene Community Foundation, 850 N 1st, Abilene TX 79601.