Memorials › Robert Daniel Ables

Robert Daniel Ables

3 Jul 1927 – 5 Oct 2020

Birth	3 Jul 1927
Death	5 Oct 2020
Cemetery	Glenwood Cemetery Groveton , Trinity County , Texas , USA
Added by	8675309 on 14 Jul 2024
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/217969705

Bio

Robert Daniel Ables, 93, completed his journey on Earth, Monday October 5, 2020. He was born July 3, 1927 in Groveton, Texas. Robert is survived by his three sons: Robert Gary Ables and wife Janet, Mark Daniel Ables and wife Mary, and James Aaron Ables and wife Lana. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Julie Nicole Ables Waller and husband Matthew, Chase Alan Ables and wife Stephanie, Alyssa Lynn Ables Stringer and husband Robert, Eric Daniel Ables, and Andrea Elizabeth Ables. He has one great grandson, Levi Thomas Waller, whom he adored. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Dorothea Marlene Powell Ables, his parents James Albert Ables and Emma Jane Taylor Ables, 6 sisters: Bernice Stevenson, Bonnie King, Shirley Wallace, Dimple Deaton, Emma Mae Stewart, and Savola Valenta, and 2 brothers: Warren Ables and Calvin Ables. Robert was part of the the Greatest Generation. Upon his graduation from Groveton High School, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Technical Sergeant in the 6th Infantry Division and was part of the occupying force in Japan before being stationed for a time in Korea. He completed his service to his country in 1947 and returned home to Groveton, Texas at the age of 20. He proudly wore his World War II veteran's cap throughout his life. Robert was a patriot through and through. His birthday was July 3rd and each year he would express his dismay that he wasn't born on the 4th of July, America's Independence Day. Robert was devoted to his wife, Dorothea. He often reflected on the day he first saw her. She was playing pinball and when he asked his friends who that beautiful girl was, they told him that was the little Powell girl. He didn't have a car so in order to court her, he paid fifty cents for a round trip taxi ride out to McGee Bend. He always said that was the best fifty cents he ever spent, because she was the love of his life. They were married on May 25, 1949 at Oaklawn Baptist Church. Robert and Dorothea had three sons that filled their lives with joy and pride. As a family, they enjoyed many vacations and loved holidays, especially Christmas. Robert taught his sons to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. He instilled traditional values such as dedication to family, faith in God, a strong work ethic, and pride in one's country and community. Robert loved sports. In high school he played basketball and softball. But he was especially a devout football fan. He never missed a Groveton High School football game and was always a very loyal Groveton Indian. Just as much if not more, his blood ran orange as a Texas Longhorn fan. He shared this passion with his sons and grandchildren, enjoying many games together. Although it should be noted, during stressful game moments, Robert would often isolate himself in another room until the tension passed. Everyone who knew him knew it was best to let him handle such moments on his own. Robert had many hobbies throughout his life. He raised beagles, served as President of the Pasadena Beagle Club, and judged at American Kennel Club beagle field trials nationwide. He also procured quite an antique clock collection that will be passed on to his children and grandchildren. After his retirement, he collected and sold knives, with a particular penchant for Case knives. Such knives became regular and welcome gifts for his sons and grandsons. Robert would have a booth at many Gun and Knife shows, in Texas and elsewhere. This was the perfect hobby because Robert never met a stranger and loved to talk. After 39 years working for Shell Oil Company, Robert retired in 1987. In 1998, he and Dorothea moved back home to Groveton, Texas. Robert became a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Groveton. He shared this commitment with his wife, Dorothea, where Christian values were the cornerstone of their home. In addition to attending Groveton High School football games, he loved having coffee with his "buddies" each morning at the local restaurant. He and his "buddies" would hash over high school and college football games before proceeding to solve the rest of the world's problems. He truly understood the meaning of friendship and valued each and every one his friends. Robert was a big country music fan, and passed this love of music onto his sons and grandchildren. As a family, they enjoyed Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, in person and on TV. Robert and Dorothea also enjoyed the Groveton Senior Citizen Association's Opry nights for many years. Robert loved his family more than words could express. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His sons, daughters-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchild thought he was the best and will treasure all the memories. As a family, we are thankful God granted him 93 years. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude for the time we shared with him. We appreciate all his friends, church family, Groveton's Senior Citizen Association, and his caretaker Donna Craig for standing by him and us. A special thanks to the staff at Mont Belvieu Rehabilitation and Health Center for taking care of him these past few weeks and months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Groveton or Oaklawn Baptist Church. One last note to share: It is often said you can't take the things of this world with you when you leave. However, as a symbolic gesture, Robert is being bestowed by his family with two things: a Case knife, because he always made sure everyone had a knife, and 25 cents for his last one way ride to be with his sweetie Dorothea.

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Mrs Dorothea Powell Ables 1932–2020 FaG

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