John Alexander Abbott

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John
Alexander Abbott
Harlingen, TX.-
John Alexander Abbott, 89, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at his residence.
He is survived by his sons, John (``Jack') Abbott and wife Karen, Mark Abbott and wife, Susan, grandchildren, Heather Adair and husband William of Harlingen, John Abbott, III of San Antonio, Mark (``Mel') Abbott, II of Harlingen, Luke Abbott of Los Angeles, CA, Nathan Abbott and Julianne Abbott both of Dallas, Tim Abbott of San Antonio, great-grand-children, Stephanie, Robert and Megan, two great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Olga Maxine Smith Abbott, parents, Dan C. Abbott and Margaret Phillips, brothers, Dan Abbott and Jim Abbott, sister, Virginia Abbott Moeller and niece, Connie Smith Wheat.
John was born in Robstown, Texas on July 27, 1920. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School, receiving a football scholarship to Texas A & M College (University) and played on the 1939 National Championship Team.
John and Maxine were married June 1941, making Harlingen their home, where they were active members in the farming and ranching community, raising cotton, grain, and Braham cattle.
John received his private pilot license in 1945, was a charter member of the Harlingen Country Club, first director of the Algadon Club in 1953, started Harlingen Gin, and was ordained as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Harlingen in 1960. He served as a Board Member of TIFT, Harlingen Hospital (now Valley Baptist Medical Center), First National Bank of Harlingen, Rio Grande Valley Oil Mill, and the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. John was elected to the National Cotton Council in 1965, the same year he and Maxine served as Don and Dona of the Algadon Club.
He is well known for his hand crafted cutting boards and fishing rods, gifts for family and friends. John was completing rod number 583 at this time of his passing. He was also known for his devotion to family and friends and his love of the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or simply watching cotton grow.
As per his wishes, private burial services will be held. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Scoggins, Kenneth Weaver, Dr. John Tucker, Tommy Mayfield, Joe Maurin, Lamar Smith, David Smith, Craig Smith and Tom Wheat.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at John and Maxine's home, 26351 FM 1595, in Harlingen.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to John's personal companion, Luis, and his caretakers, Minnie, Norma, and Maria and physicians.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials may be made to the VBMC Foundation, c/o Dane Lamar & Bettye Ann Smith Memorial Chapel, P.O. Drawer 2588, Harlingen, Texas 78551.
You are invited to share a memory or condolence at www.buckashcraft.com
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/Valleystar/Obituaries.asp
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