Abel B. Arriaga

Abel B. Arriaga was born on October 27, 1961 in Sinton, TX, to Pedro and Angelita Arriaga with his twin sister and womb-mate, Aneda. Abel was a loving father to his sons, a loving son to his parents, a devoted brother to his siblings, and an absolute pleasure of a person to all that he met. His optimistic and caring nature was felt beyond his inner circle to everyone he had the pleasure of knowing.

“Pops” or “B”, names he was often called, was hard-working, loving, and fully dedicated to his family, friends, and fellow person. Not a day went by where he didn’t express his love in a meaningful way to someone who needed it. A kind word of wisdom, a phone call for any situation at any hour, a helpful gesture always…caring for the other person, as if he’d known them forever. A unique trait specific to that of an angel.

His faith was of great importance in his life and displayed through in his heart and service. God was the driving force for Pops and that was shown through in his daily life. He pastored and mentored youth groups and helped lead people to Jesus. He served on praise and worship teams to use his passion of music for the lord. His faith in Jesus was on constant display and he could not help but exhibit a glow of light that anyone could see.

He spent the majority of his career working as an operations manager for the Strong Transfer & Storage Moving Company. He was known for his tireless devotion to the job, care for his customers, and passion to teach lasting life lessons to his peers and young team members. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions. In every facet of life, Pops delivered with a smile and with genuine emotion but always expressed the importance of taking care of his customers. That continued forward with his career at Atmos Energy and led to many more smiles in his reflective time period during his transition into retirement.

Although he’d probably not want to be the center of attention, Pops deserves to have his long years of fatherly love and friendship honored. He was the absolute best father and dad, a loving & caring son and sibling, a Christian man of faith, of strong moral character, a teacher, and a friend who would give anything to help anyone in any way possible. He was kind, attentive, selfless, hilarious, loving and the greatest of story-tellers. Certainly some of the best of characteristics that leave voids which cannot be filled.

Pop’s hobbies and interests were something he loved to always share and include with others. He enjoyed sporting events of all types, listening to music and singing passionately the songs of several genres, and going out to enjoy meals with those closest to him. Whether it was coaching his sons in sports, singing his favorite tune at karaoke, or enjoying the best combination fajita plate he’s ever had…the smile and experience will forever resonate in our hearts. His love for all of these things was something he shared with his children, family, and so many others…leaving an impression on us that we will cherish forever.

He is survived by his parents, Pedro and Angelita of Crosbyton; his brother, Raul Luera and his wife Sylvia of Hale Center; his twin sister, Aneda of Boerne; his trusted confidant Amelia of Dallas; his children, Derek and his wife Tiffany of Dallas; Andrew and his husband Lloyd “Trace” Thurman III of Denver, Colorado; Adrian and his wife Rosa of Dallas; his granddaughters Alana and Amerie of Dallas; as well as countless friends and extended family members who will all miss him dearly.

We find comfort in knowing that Pop’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us in the countless laughs, every sporting event, every time we put on headphones, his prominent faith, and those bountiful memories we will cherish forever. Be at ease Pops, and know that we will be fine in time. This is not goodbye, but more so, “see you later, Pops.” Sprint freely as you run through the beauty of heaven and look in on us from time to time…we’ll be smiling back with a nod.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation in his honor.

At 63, he passed away on the morning of February 3, 2025.

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