Bret Austin Dabney

Bret was born July 2, 2001, in Conroe, Texas, and went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2024, in Humble, Texas. Bret graduated from Conroe High School. He also attended Shepherd High School, where he was involved in FFA showing heifers.

Bret was a 4th generation commercial sheet metal worker for Straus Systems while attending night school to complete his apprenticeship. He also worked as a ranch hand for the family business, Dabney Cattle Company. He was a natural when working with the animals and loved the cows, but did not like the pigs. He lived in and was currently renovating his Great-Great Grandparents, Joe and Daisy Neuman's old farm house. He loved trucks, especially his Pappa’s square-body Ford. When not working, Bret could be found hanging out with his best friends he considered brothers either at a bonfire, fishing, working on trucks or working out at the gym. He was never too far from his trusty sidekick, his beloved dog Kilo.

Bret was one to never meet a stranger, no matter what, he was always eager and willing to lend a hand with a big smile on his face! He will be missed by every person who has ever had the pleasure of meeting him.

Bret is survived by his Father, James Dabney, and wife Kara, of Shepherd, TX; Mother, Brandi Welch, of Conroe, TX; Sister, Krista Dabney; Brother, Sladen Boakes (CaCee); Step-sister, Courtlin Boakes; Great-Grandmother, Delores Kirkdorffer; Grandmother Carol Kirkdorffer; Uncles, Shaun Kirkdorffer (Keya), and Chance Kirkdorffer (Samantha); Aunts, Jamie Emerson (Randy), Eveyln Park (David) Libby Wilkerson; Great-Uncles, Nan Randolph (Steve), Tom Kirkdorffer (John); Great-Aunt Diane Mihm Jennifer Hupp; Cousins, Jason Park (Sara), Jeremy Park (Christi), Kimberly Kelley (Matt), Brittiney Emerson (Bryce), Emily Kirkdorffer, Bailey Kirkdorffer, Jonathan Kirkdorffer, Joshua Kirkdorffer, Will Kirkdorffer and Ethan Kirkdorffer, Bonus Brothers Tommy Trevino (Anzleigh), Austin Walker (Ashlyn), Charles Dinaso, Daniel Dinaso, Grant Napiorski, and Jarrett Wilbanks; His Bonus Family, George and Tara Trevino; Bonus Sister, Kaylee Motley (Sean), and girlfriend Madi Williford.

He is preceded in death by his Pappa Jim and Nanny Louise Dabney; Grandfather Scott Kirkdorffer; Great-Grandparents, Runt and Clevie Dabney, Tommy and Veeda Bays, and John Kirkdorffer.

"Bret, you were taken too soon and you will forever be missed. You will always be a son, baby boy, baby bro, and brother. Your memory will live on in the many lives you touched and the countless memories we have."

We are heartbroken. Our lives are shattered. Bret’s untimely death was caused by a young drunk driver. He would be telling us today, “It’s not my fault!” and we would be telling him, “No son, it is not your fault.” Please don’t drink and drive.