Manolo Z. Cabasal, Sr.

Manolo Zipagan Cabasal, Sr. of Abilene, Texas passed away on July 22, 2025. He was 79. Manolo lived a life of accounting, serving church in missions, volunteering and deep love of family.

Manolo was born in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines to Primo N. Cabasal and Maria Z. Cabasal, on November 15,1945. He graduated from Isabela High School, Philippines, at 16 in 1961. He went on to the University of the East, Manila, Philippines from 1961 - 1965, where he received his Bachelors Degree of Business Administration and Accounting. Later, he attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas from 1986 - 1989, he received his Masters of Business Administration and General Business.

Among his proudest accomplishments Manolo received an award for outstanding performance from the Asian Institute of Management, highlighting his exceptional capabilities in his field. He was given an award at the University of the East from achieving the 3rd highest grade in the 1965 Philippine Certified Public Accountant Board Examination. He took the State of Texas State Board of Public Accountant examination and passed on his first attempt and was certified as CPA on April 28, 1993.

Manolo's career began in Makati, Philippines from December 1965 - May 1973 at SGV & Co. CPAs as Staff Auditor & Consultant. He was moved to Malaysia, June 1973 - May 1975 at Industries and Reality Group as Manager, Management Services Department. Then in July 1975 - Feb. 1986, he worked at PT. Minas Pagal Lumber Corp. in Padang, Indonesia as Financial Controller. His leadership qualities quickly became evident, leading to his next chapter as the Financial Controller with Knowles Contractors INC. from August 1992 - June 2001 in Abilene, Texas. Eventually, Manolo's expertise took him to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) where he worked diligently as a Revenue Agent form July 2001 until March 2009, exemplifying professionalism in every endeavor.

Manolo met the love of his life, Mary Nicolas Tiburcio in December 1984 in Ilagan, Isabela, during their own planned vacations. Manolo from Singapore and Mary from the USA, went back to the Philippines for their wedding on June 22, 1985 in Manila. This was a 40 year dedicated partnership of love and faithfulness to each other, support in their professional and personal lives and raising of their two children. Mary was beside Manolo every step of the way as his illness weakened him and finally passed on to be with the Lord.

After retirement Manolo prepared federal income tax returns for his family and friends. When Manolo and Mary were retired they went to the Philippines for mission trips in 2016, 2017, and 2023 representing First Methodist Church Abilene.

From the cradle to the grave, Manolo was an active member of the Methodist Church. He was the Co-Chair of First Methodist Church Mission Committee sponsored by the First Methodist Church - Abilene, Greeters, Holy Communion Steward, Mission trips in the Philippines; representing the First Methodist Church in Abilene.

He was a member of USPFO, INHSAll, Phil - American Bible study group. He was a volunteer for BOBS (Breakfast on Beech St.). Manolo's various interests were biking, golf, tennis, crossword puzzles, listening to favorite musicals and hymnals.

Manolo was once a certified member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, Institute of Certified Management Accountants, and Institute of Internal Auditors.

Manolo was preceded in death by his parents, Primo and Maria Cabasal; brothers, Eliseo Z. Cabasal, Felicisimo Z. Cabasal, Lope Z. Cabasal, Elipdio Z. Cabasal, Dominador Z. Cabasal; and sisters, Helen C. Cabasal and Nellie C. Malana.

Manolo is survived by his loving wife Mary T. Cabasal; his son, Manolo Travis Cabasal Jr. and wife Chelsea Cabasal; his daughter, Marian Dominique Cabasal Hodgskin and husband Gordon Hodgskin; his grandson, Trevelian Cabasal; his sisters, Virginia C. Gervais, and Roseann C. Gaffud, and many nephews, nieces, and relatives.

Visitation will be Thursday August 7, 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX. A prayer service will follow on Thursday August 7,2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel.

Manolo's celebration of life will be on Friday August 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First Methodist Church, 202 Butternut St. Abilene, TX with Rev. Steve Patterson officiating the service. The graveside service and burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas.

After the burial a reception for family and friends will be at First Methodist Church, 202 Butternut St. at the Ministry Activity Center given by First Methodist, USPFO and Phil - American Bible Study Group.

The family extends their sincere thanks for the caring staff at Encompass, Hendrick North ICU, Hendrick Hospice Center, and the Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Memory of Manolo Z. Cabasal Sr. can be made to First Methodist Church, Abilene - Budget or Missions Funds.

Thank you to all our families and friends who in one way or another have helped us in our time of sorrow. Thank you for the cards, prayers, food, enocouraging words, sympathy, and love. We appreciate you all. God Bless.