Jane Butler McAbee

Daughter, wife, mother, friend, lover of many dogs, and author Jane Butler McAbee passed away in Midland, Texas on February 23, 2024. She was the only child of John P. and Alva Butler.

The true measure of a person’s life is the world they left behind, and our mother set a high bar. As a military wife, she raised 4 children, often alone, who all graduated from college.

She lived a literary life, as a lifelong reader and volunteer at the Midland Public Library. She also wrote a historical fiction novel titled “Lydia” in 2011, whose characters were guided by the personalities of her children.

Beyond that, she left behind lifetime memories of great dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, loud dogs, quiet dogs, who all spent their lives in a loving environment.

Jane married Hap Arnold, of Arkadelphia Arkansas, upon his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1944. Then followed years of the frequent moves normally associated with Air Force life, including a posting to England, where one child was born. Hap participated in the RAF fly by for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Later, in 1974, she married L Kimble McAbee of Midland. Kim was a wonderfully colorful landman who owned multiple tuxedos, a bright yellow Cadillac, and played golf in loud plaid pants. Their life together was always full of love, respect, humor, and pets.

Jane’s children are Gordon Butler Arnold, Andrea Dey Arnold, Henry Mahlon Arnold, and Katherine Martin Arnold McAbee Spriggs (who passed away in 2019). She also leaves two grandchildren, Aaron Arnold and John Ryan Hatteberg.

Our mother was also active in St Nicholas Episcopal Church for many years.

A memorial service will be held in Midland on Friday, March 22nd at 2:00PM at St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church, 4000 W. Loop 250 N. Midland, TX. 79707. Reception to follow the service.

Jane’s ashes will be placed in the columbarium at St Nicholas Episcopal Church next to those of her husband Kim’s. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to express their love in a tangible may do so by making a gift to St. Nicholas’ Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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