A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 8, for Dr. Gary Paul Aber, DVM.

© E.P. Compean Funeral Directors

SIMONTON, TX—July 30, 2026—Dr. Gary Paul Aber, DVM, a highly respected equine veterinarian, Quarter Horse owner and breeder, and former member of the Texas Racing Commission, passed away on July 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 80.

For more than four decades, Dr. Aber dedicated his life to the care of horses and the people who owned them, earning a reputation as one of Texas' most trusted equine veterinarians. His practice took him across Texas and beyond, where he became known for his tireless work ethic, compassionate care, and unwavering commitment to the equine industry.

Born September 19, 1945, in Brownsville, Texas, to James Ned and Evelyn Lucille Aber, he was raised in Tyler, where he graduated from John Tyler High School in 1964. He attended Texas Tech University on a swimming scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science degree before completing a master's degree in animal nutrition at Texas A&M University. He later received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M in 1976.

Dr. Aber's journey to veterinary medicine included a variety of early jobs, from working on his family's tulip farm to installing garage doors and even selling Kirby vacuum cleaners. While pursuing graduate studies, he worked as a roughneck in the oilfields before ultimately finding his life's calling in equine veterinary medicine.

Those who knew Dr. Aber often remarked that caring for horses was never simply his profession—it was his purpose. Whether responding to a Christmas Day colic emergency or spending sleepless nights in a barn monitoring a mare and newborn foal, he placed the welfare of his patients above everything else. His dedication earned the admiration and respect of generations of horse owners, trainers, breeders, and fellow veterinarians.

Beyond his veterinary practice, Dr. Aber was deeply involved in the Quarter Horse racing industry as an owner and breeder. According to Equibase statistics, the horses he raced won 41 races and earned nearly $500,000. Among his most accomplished runners were Desire Astoli, Cash Snow, Simonton, Engine Victory, and Special American. He was especially proud of his stallion Blue Times and found great enjoyment watching Desire Astoli compete on the racetrack.

A lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Dr. Aber also gave back to the industry through public service, serving for five years on the Texas Racing Commission. He also spent many years as the longtime veterinarian for Juliana Hawn Holt's Cross Triangle Ranch, where he cared for countless horses throughout his career.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, family remained the center of Dr. Aber's life. He shared more than 40 years of marriage with his wife, CJ, and was a devoted father to daughters Amy Riggs and Lesley Bacak. Known affectionately as "Pops," he cherished time with his four granddaughters—Sarah Riggs, Ashley Albert, Blayke Bacak, and Blayre Bacak.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille Aber; his brother, Charles Aber; his in-laws, Louis and Alma Jane Jankowski; brother-in-law Chris Jankowski; and sister-in-law Cathey Fulton.

Dr. Aber is survived by his wife, CJ Aber; daughters Amy Riggs and Lesley Bacak (Brian); granddaughters Sarah Riggs, Ashley Albert (Trevor), Blayke Bacak, and Blayre Bacak; his sister, Nedra Epperson; along with numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 8, at Simonton Community Church in Simonton, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine or the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, honoring Dr. Aber's lifelong dedication to veterinary education and equine health.

Dr. Gary Aber's influence extended far beyond the racetrack and veterinary clinic. Through his compassion, integrity, and devotion to both horses and their owners, he leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt throughout the Texas Quarter Horse racing industry for generations to come.

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