ABLES, Warren Warren Ables, 97, died peacefully at his home in Austin, Texas on October 4, 2018. Warren was born in Groveton, Texas on August 22, 1921. He enlisted in the army in 1939. Stationed at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio Warren was a running back on the Army football team when WWII broke out in 1941. Mr Ables was handpicked by Colonel Peter J Kopcsak, also his football coach, to be an inaugural member of the newly formed 602nd Tank Destroyer Battalion deploying into Normandy in 1944 and joining the 3rd Army commanded by General George Patton. Mr Ables was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in this campaign. Years later, Mr Ables would become the only non-officer ever elected to president of the now disbanded 602nd Tank Destroyer Association. He was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving husband and father. Locating to Angleton, Texas in 1950, it was there that he met the love of his life and married Aileen McKerall of Waco. After 36 years with Continental Trailways and raising four boys in a small town, Aileen and Warren relocated to Houston. When both retired they launched the last third of their life traveling the country in an RV meeting and befriending hundreds of people along the way. The batch of Christmas cards received each year was overwhelming. He lost his bride in the summer of 2017 and missed her every day until his passing. He will always be remembered as a caring, positive thinking, never met a stranger, kind of man. He was a real role model for a wonderful family that he leaves behind. Mr. Ables is preceded in death by his wife, Aileen and oldest son Don. He is survived by his sons James Piper of Houston, Douglas "Tommy" Ables and wife Linda of Olathe, Kansas, Joe Ables and wife Judy of Austin, ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. The family will hold a private service at the family cemetery in Waco at a later date. Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.