Bryan Joseph “Bubba” Kapel, 61, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.

Bubba was born on May 7, 1965, in Houston, Texas, to Ronnie and Irene Kapel. He was a man whose life was defined by his faith, his love for family and friends, and his willingness to serve others. Whether he was helping a friend, fixing something that was broken, or simply spending time with those he loved, Bubba gave of himself generously and without hesitation.

Throughout his working years, Bubba was known as a dedicated and dependable employee. He worked for UTEX for fourteen years, as well as for Raydon, Inc., and University Place. No matter where he worked, his strong work ethic and servant’s heart left a lasting impression on those around him.

Bubba proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in Columbus, Texas, a role that reflected his desire to help others in their time of need. In 2019, he moved to Abilene, where he quickly became an active member of the community. In 2020, he joined Rise Church, where he faithfully served as a handyman, always willing to lend his skills wherever they were needed.

On May 7, 2022, he married the love of his life, Stephania Kapel. Together they shared a life filled with faith, laughter, love, and treasured moments with family and friends.

To know Bubba was to know joy. He loved God deeply and cherished every opportunity to spend time with the people he cared about. His love language was acts of service and quality time, and he expressed his affection through helping others and creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Bubba enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing dominoes, dancing, listening to country music, and spending time outdoors cooking barbecue. In his younger years, he played the drums and carried a love for music throughout his life. He was known for his sense of humor, his jokes, and his infectious laughter. He believed laughter was essential, and he had a remarkable ability to bring smiles to those around him.

Above all, Bubba was a hardworking, faithful, and caring man who never hesitated to help someone in need. His generous spirit, unwavering faith, and love for others will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ronnie and Irene Kapel; his sister, Donna Watson; and his son, Ryan Kapel.

Bubba is survived by his wife, Stephania Kapel; his daughters, Kally Kapel, and Paige Smith and husband Hunter Smith; his son, Dalton Kapel and wife Taylor Kapel; his step daughter, Barbara Henry and husband Keith Henry; and nine grandchildren.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the legacy of his kindness, service, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church family, and all whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to help cover final expenses.