On February 5, 2024, Donald “Donnie” Abbott, 65, died peacefully in his sleep at Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas with his wife and youngest son at his side.
Donnie was born on February 27, 1958 in Frankfurt, Germany to Thomas and Jean Abbott. The Abbott’s moved back to the US where Donnie and his 9 other siblings attended Wakefield High School in Wakefield, KS.
After graduating high school in 1976, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent time back in Germany as a Mechanic for F-4 fighters. Upon leaving the Air Force he worked various jobs. This led him to eventually working as an electrician building mobile homes in McPherson, Kansas where he met his former spouse, Pamela Abbott. They got married and had their first child. Donnie then decided it was time to get ready to support a family and earned his HVAC certification. This certification took him to Topeka, where they had their daughter, onto Florida where they had their youngest son and then ultimately settling down back in Kansas. Life doesn’t always go as planned and Donnie and Pamela decided to part ways many years later.
Donnie moved to Salina, Kansas and started working for Callabresi Heating and Cooling. It was while working here he saw a beautiful woman named Dana Miller who lived a few blocks away. She would run by his house on her daily route. He eventually got her to stop by on one of those runs. Donnie finally won her heart and got her to say “I Do” on October 22, 2016 in Salina, Kansas.
He enjoyed the life he built with Dana and their pets. It didn’t matter if it was building new projects for Dana, sitting out by the fire, fishing, or helping a friend with whatever they may need, he was there for it with a smile on his face most of the time.
Donnie was a proud and active member of the American Legion. He took pride in getting to help with funerals and anything they may need. After the initial diagnosis of the cancer there was no question in his mind what he wanted to do. He fought, and he fought hard for 2 years. He continued to work up until his body just wouldn’t allow it anymore. He got to enjoy many years of watching his grandkids grow up. He allowed Dana to give input, but he took pride in getting to be the one picking out all of the Christmas presents every year.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Dana Miller; daughter Stephanie (Abbott) Burke and husband Jody Burke; son Cory Abbott and fiancé Hope Tanner.
He leaves behind his grandchildren: Dalton Burke, Ryker Burke, Lakyn Burke, and Brantley Boyle. He is also survived by siblings Susan Gibson of Junction City, KS; Michael Abbott and wife Lori of Manhattan, KS; David Abbott of Manhattan, KS; and John Abbott and wife Lorie of Bellevue, NE;
He is also loved and remembered by his former spouse Pamela Abbott and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews.
Donnie is preceded in death by his son Sean Abbott; Parents Thomas and Jean Abbott; and siblings Thomas Abbott Jr., Walter Abbott, Linda Abbott, Virginia (Abbott) Knopp, and Paul Abbott.
The family has chosen to have a “Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held at The American Legion Post #366, 405 Floral Dr. Hillsboro, Kansas on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. He made an impact on many lives. He will be forever missed. Until we meet again.
Memorials are to Veterans Affairs and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.