Thursday, September 3, 2020

Remembering my baby brother.

Good morning and welcome. Today is September 3, 2020. It has been my honored privilege to assist in providing help at the time of the passing of family loved ones and others. This has included the writing of obituaries and speaking at memorial services as well as being in charge of the services. Today, I pause to recognize the life and times of my baby brother, Donald, who passed on to his final reward 9 years ago and had he lived he would have been 72 today. Here is the tribute I wrote for publication in the Leesville Louisiana newspaper, The Leader: 


In Memory of

Donald Richard Abbott

September 3, 1948 - June 18, 2011
Obituary

Donald Richard Abbott, 62, USMC, Retired, of Webster, TX, was born on Friday, September 3, 1948, in Many, LA. He passed away after a lengthy illness at his residence on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 10 a.m., at the Hixson Funeral Home Chapel, Leesville, Louisiana, with burial to follow at Beckom Cemetery, Hornbeck, Louisiana. A viewing is planned for one hour prior to the service.

After graduation from high school in Hornbeck, Donald proudly served his country as a United States Marine and retired as a Sergeant First Class after twenty years of distinguished service. After retirement, he held a number of positions in education as well as in the transportation industry. Donald was predeceased by his dad, Cecil Abbott, and all grandparents, one brother, Jimmy Don Abbott, and one sister, Kayla Jean Moore.

Donald is survived by those left to cherish his memory: Dotty Hunt, Webster, TX, his companion and caregiver; His mother and dad, Lena and Jose Chavez of Hornbeck, LA; His sons, Donald Abbott Jr. (wife Blanca), of Yuma, AZ;, Phillip Abbott, (fiancee, Rennie) Houston, TX; daughters Deanna Velez, (husband, Rick), San Diego, CA; Jolena Abbott, (boyfriend, Michael), League City, TX. Sisters, Frances Jones, Hornbeck, LA; JoAnn Abbott, Plano, TX, Miriam Kay, (husband, Tommy), Leesville, LA; Brothers, Al Abbott, (wife, Marilyn), Spring, TX, Victor Chavez, (wife, Maria), Bellaire, TX, Richard Chavez, (wife, Stephanie), DeRidder, LA; Seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Donald's nephews and other family members.

The family wishes to express appreciation to all those who contributed to Donald's care during his extended illness, and for the prayers and support from so many friends and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice, perhaps a Veteran's support charity would be an appropriate tribute.

Have a great rest of the day and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....More later. 

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