Carl F. Grable

CARL F. GRABLE February 18, 1922 February 21, 2004 Carl F. Grable, 82, of New Boston, Texas, died Saturday, February 21, 2004, in a local hospital. Mr. Grable was born on February 18, 1922 in Edgerton, Missouri. Carl, a 20-year career military man and a veteran of World War II, served on virtually every continent. A veteran of the Burma Road Campaign against the Japanese, Carl was later chosen after the war to specialize in nuclear weapon systems. He was one of only a handful of people who witnessed two nuclear explosions in his lifetime. He was present at the Bikini blast, the most famous of all the Cold War test blasts. These experiences were profound, reinforcing his deep love for mankind and nature and prompting him to dedicate his life's work to better harmonize the two into a more synergistic symphony. Carl went on to serve on our country's first generation of nuclear deterrent systems that ringed the old Soviet Union during the early '60s. After retiring from the Army, Carl joined the Civil Service where he worked as a Quality Control Inspector on the Chaparral and Vulcan missile systems at Red River Army depot during the Vietnam War period and beyond. Carl is survived by his three sons, John J. Grable of San Antonio, Texas, William T. Grable of Portland, Oregon, and Robert B. Grable of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also survived by a grandson, Brian, and three granddaughters, Elicia, Kali and Katy Grable. Carl was a member of the First Baptist Church. He also belonged to CBI, an organization celebrating the exploits of US Forces in China, Burma, and India during World War II. Carl was a lifetime member of various 'unofficial coffee clubs' that informally congregated throughout New Boston. Carl was known for his quiet and friendly nature, unassuming way, prolific generosity and unique sense of humor. Carl was preceded in death by two wives, Rita M. Quinn of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Joyce O. Atchley of New Boston, Texas, and his eldest son, Carl F. Grable, Jr. Services were held on Tuesday, February 23, 2004 at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home with an additional graveside ceremony with Full Military Honor Guard at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana, Texas. Memorials may be made to the New Boston Chamber of Commerce, 100 North Center Street, New Boston, TX 75570 for designation to the town's new 'Trailhead Park', a reconstruction and nature conservation park located at the site of the demolished Missouri Pacific Railroad Station and abandoned rail road corridor. Phase 1 - which is near completion - will provide linkage to New Boston's unique community, history, flora and fauna all of which he loved unconditionally.