Herold Abel

Buddy Abel don't call him Herold or Mr. Abel, he won't answer. Buddy Abel, beer connoisseur, BBQ aficionado, and two-stepper extraordinaire, died Monday, March 7, 2016 at home, surrounded by family and friends. Buddy learned his life's trade, welding, at a young age from his father Herold Abel, Sr. (deceased) who was also a welder. And although his son, Lawrence (Larry) Robert Horton, spent every summer growing up working in his dad's shop, Buddy was extremely proud that Larry chose not to follow in his footsteps and instead become an accomplished architect. The women in his life were numerous. He particularly fancied smart women. He loved his mom Meta Abel (deceased), who he had breakfast and lunch with every day. He adored, and gave hell, to his two sisters Harolyn Galbreath and Claudine Cowan. He married, literally, the girl next door, Joyce McCormick Abel (an extremely talented fashion designer of striking beauty) and spent almost 50 years together before she died in 2008. He especially adored (after he learned to tolerate) his daughter, Erin Kay Abel. He showed his love for her by never missing a chance to make fun of her for losing her phone or locking her keys in her car. Buddy was pleased as punch when Kyle Dean Pettey proposed to Erin and promised to love and care for her, and never let her go a day without giving her a hard time. The greatest joys in his life was his five grandsons. He spent countless hours in his shop with his first grandson, Jordan Alexander Monaghan, letting him break his whole supply of welding rods before going home to eat fried chicken with Mame. He counted down the days between each visit of the twins, Andrew Winslow Horton and Steve Abel Horton. Cecil Wayne Pettey pushed his way into his heart by calling him Granddad from day one. Zachary Kaed Lynch was lucky enough to live with his Granddad for the last eight years of his life which gave them plenty of time to build cars for pine wood derbies and discuss the finer points of a .22 vs. a .45. Despite the fact that the grandkids were never allowed to "eat his food", he was never without a peppermint in his pocket for the asking. He was a beloved educator and mentor of many. He was the Pied Piper of every child that ever met him. He taught Erin, and every other female who had a pair of boots, how to dance the "real" two-step. He was a strict "Meat & Potatoes" guy, but loved watching the Food Network. He was a good German who drank coffee until noon and then switched to beer. He had a soft spot for all feline animals. He never saw the point of bottled water because he "didn't need to wash his feet." He was a proud member of "The Running Buddies" BBQ team, who cooked award-winning brisket and beans. He spent countless hours at the gliding across the floor with his beautiful bride, to the then unknown George Strait. He enjoyed a good tractor pull with his buddies. He believed in leaving things better than you found them. He knew more than any contestant on . He could build or fix anything. His special talent: he could wiggle his ears. Buddy took fashion cues from no one. His signature look was all his: Wranglers, boots (he had dress and work), blue or white button up, and a cap for everyday and a cowboy hat for going out. John Wayne and Buddy were one and the same. He lived by a code that was not negotiable. You treat every woman like a lady because she is. Your word is your bond. You protect the weak. You don't insult or harm anyone. You work hard and provide for your family. You act like a man. That is your duty. Despite Buddy's "No Fuss, No Muss" views on death, there will be certain events held in his honor to which he would respond, "Whatever." Visitation will be held at Pennington's Funeral Home (323 N. Comanche St.) on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Goodbyes will be held at Pennington's at 11:00am on Saturday, March 12, 2016 to be followed by "Dust to Dust" at Barton Cemetery in Buda, TX. Buddy's feelings would not be hurt if no one showed up to the previously mentioned events, but he would definitely insist everyone "come drink a beer" to celebrate his life immediately afterwards at Riley's Tavern (8894 FM 102, New Braunfels). Please, no black at the funeral. This is a happy occasion. Buddy said he wanted, "No Tears. Lots of beer." Please honor his wishes or he will come back and kick your boteesamo! Please bring pot luck to Riley's. Beverages will be provided. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Finally, the family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of sentiment and love that has come their way. It eases their hearts, and helps in some small way, to know that Buddy was as loved and a part of others' lives as he was in theirs.