Franklin (Bud) Abel

Franklin “Bud” Autry Abel, 86, of Crawford, Texas, passed away on August 30, 2026, at his home in Crawford, in the same room where he was born. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson. A service celebrating Bud’s life will be held Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at New Road Church of Christ in Robinson.

Bud was born on August 12, 1940, in Crawford, Texas, to William Autry and Nettie Evelena Abel. He attended school in Crawford, where he played football, and graduated from Crawford High School in 1959.

After high school graduation, Bud moved to Dallas to start his HVAC career and later married Cora Bush in 1962. During their time in Dallas, they had four children. The family later moved back to Crawford in 1975, where Bud would spend the rest of his life.

Bud was an incredibly devoted father who was deeply involved in the lives of his children. He coached Little League, assisted with FFA, led Boy Scouts, and could frequently be seen supporting his children at sporting events, band events, and other activities.

Bud later met Dee Ann Holt, and they were married on May 30, 1998. Together, Bud and Dee Ann continued to devote their time to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making family an important part of their lives together.

Bud was a devoted man of God who took great joy in doing the Lord’s work. He frequently gave his time and resources to the church without hesitation and was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. He also helped build a church in Diboll, Texas. His generosity extended far beyond the church, and Bud would do anything he could to help someone in need.

Bud was also a very active member of the Crawford community. He served for many years on the Crawford City Council, including stints as Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem. Bud helped establish the ambulance service in Crawford, worked with the Crawford Historical Society, oversaw Crawford’s 150th anniversary celebration, and ran the clock at Crawford football games for many years.

One of Bud’s greatest joys in his later years was playing the role of Santa Claus. It became a role he treasured, and he loved seeing the joy and happiness it brought to children, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He became affectionately known throughout the community as “Santa Bud.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Autry and Nettie Evelena Abel; his son, Michael Autry Abel; grandson, William Dalton Abel; great-grandson, Waylon Autry Williams; sister, Louise Anderson; and brothers, Billy Abel and Jack Abel.

Bud is survived by his wife, Dee Ann; his children, Kim Williams and husband Rick, Amy Abel, Alan Abel and wife Casey, Drew Walker and wife Kayla, and Angela Walker.

His grandchildren include Matthew Williams and wife Lail, Mallory Bullard and husband Newell, Trent Autry Abel and wife Whitney, Chesney McNamara and husband Caleb, Tate Abel, Eli Abel, Ava Abel, Maden Abel, Kingston Abel, Tess Abel, Briella Walker, and Mallie Walker.

His great-grandchildren include Quaid Bullard, Emi Lou Williams, Hudson McNamara, McAlister Bullard, Loklun Williams, Hayes McNamara, and Rhett Autry Abel.

He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Barton and husband Charles; his sister-in-law, Willie Abel; numerous nieces and nephews; and, according to a joke Bud once made, his “half a million cousins.”

Bud will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his service to his community, and the joy he brought to those around him. His memory will live on through the generations of family he loved so deeply and through the many lives he touched throughout the Crawford community.