Carson James Zabel

1997 - 2025

Carson James Zabel
10/16/1997 - 06/01/2025
Carson James Zabel, age 27, passed away suddenly in his sleep after a brief illness on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Carson was a kind, humble, deeply principled soul who lived a life of quiet integrity and boundless compassion. Born on October 16, 1997, in Midland, Texas, to Dr. Andrea Collins Zabel and John Edward Zabel, Carson grew up surrounded by a loving family who cherished his gentle spirit and inquisitive mind.
He graduated with high honors from Midland Christian High School in 2016, where he and his close friends competed successfully in academic competitions across the state of Texas.
Carson continued his academic journey at Abilene Christian University, graduating with high honors in 2020 with a B.S. degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In 2022, he earned a M.S. in the field of Biomedical Sciences, publishing three research articles during his grad studies. For the past 2 years, he worked as a medical researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio, where he focused on Alzheimer's research. He was a contributing author in the Journal of Neuroscience, with more publications forthcoming.
Carson's brilliance was matched only by his humility. He lived modestly, proudly driving a 15-year-old car and never owning a social media account. He cared nothing for material wealth or trends. Instead, he poured himself into meaningful pursuits - his research, his family, his friendships, and his faith. A devout and Godly young man, Carson never passed judgment, never uttered a harsh word, and never hesitated to help someone in need. He followed the rules with quiet grace, yet found joy in life's adventures - Saturday night gaming with besties, clowning around with Maddie and Brennan, riding roller coasters, spontaneous travels, new cultures, and deep conversations.
Carson was the perfect son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and colleague. He gave selflessly, listened generously, and lived intentionally. His absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but his example will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Andrea and John; his brother Collin, wife Kelli, and 5-year-old nephew Sterling of Houston, TX; and his sister Dr. Brooklyn Vasquez, husband James, and 6-week-old niece Ellie Rae of Midland, TX. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Shannon and Jesse Jantzen of Keller, TX; Patty Hector of Ivoryton, CT; and David Zabel of Hot Springs Village, AR. His cousins include Brennan Jantzen of Houston; Maddie Jantzen of Lubbock; Adie Dugan of Bedford; and Dr. Nicole Parker of Ivoryton, CT. Carson was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Janice Bowers Wells, Billy Joe Collins, and Bill and Dorothy Zabel.
A Celebration of Carson's Life will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st at Café at the Gardens in Midland, TX - surrounded by the nature he loved: lush foliage, waterfalls, koi ponds, and birdsong.
Soar with the angels, our beautiful Carson. You left an indelible mark on every heart you touched, and you will be forever missed.
Without the aid of scholarships, Carson would not have been able to attend ACU. In lieu of flowers, donations received in Carson's honor will provide a bench to be placed near the science buildings and a scholarship in his name to assist scientists and scholars of our future.
bit.ly/CarsonZabel. Alternatively donations to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation: nadf.us/donate-to-research.html or to Midland College: midland.edu/gift would be greatly appreciated.