Abel R. Jimenez

Abel Rivera Jimenez, loving Husband, Dad, Family member and Friend  was born on September 12, 1934 to Felix and Minga Jimenez in Dallas, Texas ~ He left a legacy for all when he passed into eternal rest, March 29, 2024. 

Dad was the middle son of 3 boys. He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers and his parents. 

While he was a Senior in High School, he loved what he saw in a sweet young lady whom he’d met. As God would have it, that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship and eventually a marriage that ended just short of 65 years.  Mom and Dad would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary April 18, 2024. He joined and spent 2.5 years in the Army. While stationed at Fort Hood he witnessed and had his “claim to fame” moment in life when he saw Elvis getting a haircut! 

He had 2 milestones coming up in 2024… The first was their 65th anniversary this month and his birthday coming up September 12, 2024… He would have celebrated being 90 years young. 

He worked for Levi Strauss for over 20 years and was transferred across Texas and New Mexico. He eventually made it to Portland, Texas where he retired and made Portland his home. He continued to have multiple part-time jobs, staying busy and meeting friends. 

He was a “server” of all things with Jesus in the forefront of all. He loved serving the Lord and loved serving people.  Spreading the love of Jesus was a passion. 

He also enjoyed serving his family, usually getting up early to unload the dishwasher, water the yard and go to the grocery store, among other “jobs” around the house. Until just several weeks ago, he would insist on taking the trash can to the curb or bring it back up to the house whenever he could!! His favorite pastime was watching all sports on TV.  He was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan, even when they played badly.  

In August of 2022 he was diagnosed with colon cancer and after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the tumor he was left with a reduced colon and a colostomy. He went through so many different stages and doctors but he never quit! After 8 rounds of chemotherapy, he, along with my Mom’s help, made a mutual decision… it then became quality of life over treatments. He began hospice care in January of this year.  He never gave up on trying to regain his strength though. Physical health was very important to him. He worked at not succumbing to weakness. As last Friday approached, his breathing had become erratic and the doctors could not get it under control. With this condition his body was weakening and had finally taken a toll on him. Our loving Lord and Savior had prepared his room and took him home into eternal life. 

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Sallye Jimenez, 2 sons Todd Jimenez (Cynthia) and Blake Jimenez (Lorie) and 2 daughters Cari Jones and Allison Reddick (Zach). Abel leaves one grandson, Christopher Babbitt, 6 granddaughters, Bianca Garza, Miranda Nava, Alyssa Jimenez, Christina Jimenez, Reese Reddick and Rylee Reddick and 6 great grandchildren, Caden Babbitt, Caleigh Babbitt, Charleigh Babbitt, C.J. Babbitt, Chloe Babbitt and Ever Nava.

He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed by us all!

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Portland

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com