"I have many fond memories of my grandfather, but perhaps the best was introducing him to his first great-granddaughter in 2001. We visited him and Grandma at their home outside of St. Louis. I spent time listening to him tell me more about his WWII service. Rest in peace, Grandpa"
In loving memory of
Wade K Abbott
September 28, 1923 - June 25, 2019
WESLACO - Wade Kenneth (Ken) Abbott, 95, passed away at his home, John Knox Village, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Wade was born on September 28, 1923, in Rensselaer, Indiana to Wade Abbott and Mary Mohr Abbott. He grew up in Kankakee, Illinois where he graduated high school in 1942. Ken continued his education, and it was on a train to the University of Illinois where he met his future bride, Laverne Jaros.
Ken was drafted to the US Airforce in 1943 as a Non-Commissioned Officer receiving a commission in 1944. He served in World War II as a Navigator on a B-29 flying out of Guam. In 1948 he graduated from the University of Illinois with his Bachelor's Degree and married Laverne. Ken worked for Montgomery Ward until 1951 when he was called back to the US Airforce to be a flight instructor at Randolph Airforce Base in San Antonio. After being honorably discharged as an Officer in 1952, Wade and Laverne moved to Chicago where Wade began his career in finance, working for Victor Adding Machine. He took numerous positions during his career in finance, including, G.D. Searle, Electro-Netic Products, Martin Oil Service, Multi-Malls, Budget Rent-A-Car, and again at Martin Oil Service. Ken was an expert in his field and was sought after often, he ultimately retired from Martin Oil Service in 1988.
While Ken was earning a living, he and Laverne raised three children, Wade L., David K., and Mary Ann.
After retirement, they moved to Collinsville, Illinois to spend time with Wade's elderly mom. They purchased an RV and traveled all over the United States for the next twenty years. They eventually settled at John Knox Village in Weslaco, Texas in 2009 where they spent the rest of their lives.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Mary Abbott and daughter, Mary Ann Papke.
He is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Laverne, sons, Wade Abbott (Lee) of Sussex, New Jersey and Dave Abbott (Beth) of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, grandchildren Wade D. Abbott, Sarah Abbott Pierce, Kristin Abbott Mokarry, David R. Abbott, Christina Papke Howard, Daniel Papke and Kenneth C. Abbott. Wade is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.
Tributes
"My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Abbott was one of a kind and we will miss him dearly. NIM"