Thomas Edwin Abbott

Thomas Edwin Abbott, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family on January 14, 2026, at his home in American Fork, Utah, at the age of 82. Tom was born on October 13, 1943, to Stephen Nelson Abbott and Florence Elizabeth Durrant Abbott in Provo, Utah. He was the third child in a family that would grow to include six sons and one daughter.

Tom spent childhood days working in his family's half-acre garden, milking the family cow, and tending to the pigs, rabbits, chickens, and beef cattle that his family raised. He lived close to his Grandfather Durrant's turkey farm, where he also spent time working and playing. When he was sixteen years old, his mother died. As Tom mourned, he was strengthened by the outpouring of love he felt, a gift he would remember for the rest of his life.

He attended Central Junior High School, and Provo High School, graduating in 1961. After completing basic training and his initial service as a wireman with the National Guard, Tom served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canadian Mission from 1962 to 1964. He was an effective teacher and leader, sharing his testimony of the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ and serving as a Supervising Elder and Zone Leader.

Upon his return, he met Dianne Savage at church and set out to win her heart. In July 1965, they married in the Salt Lake Temple. Tom adored his sweetheart, whom he affectionately called Babes; her happiness was his top concern, and they both made intentional efforts to care for each other and build an eternal relationship. They devoted their lives to loving, nurturing, and teaching their eight children, prioritizing scripture study, family prayer, gospel instruction, and service.

Tom graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in advertising and public relations in 1970 and afterwards, moved to Boise, Idaho, where he worked for the March of Dimes National Foundation. Four years later, he began his career as a life insurance salesman and financial planner with Mutual of New York. He moved to Alpine, Utah in 1988, when he accepted a position as Special Events Director for Children's Miracle Network. Later, Tom returned to insurance work and rebuilt his business, working hard until the final months of his life. He genuinely enjoyed his work, forming camaraderie with the other associates, caring deeply about his clients, and finding satisfaction in helping people.

Tom served enthusiastically in the church and community. He accepted assignments as early-morning seminary teacher, high councilor, high priest group leader, bishop of his home ward, and bishop of a BYU student ward. He was a dedicated home teacher. Tom served on the Meridian (Idaho) school board for six years. With Dianne, he served a second mission in the Georgia Atlanta Mission between 2008 and 2009. He worked in the Mount Timpanogos Temple for fifteen years, the last four of which he served as a sealer, sharing his testimony of eternal families and covenants.

An optimist by nature and by choice, Tom was a confident problem solver. He believed in communication and connection. He could not walk into a room without looking for a friend or for a future friend. He taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in the way he lived his life, following the Good Shepherd's example as he fed His sheep.

Tom is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, Kristi (BJ) Castagno, Danyelle (Eric) Leach, Amy (Blair) Johnson, TJ (Rebecca) Abbott, Aaron (Melissa) Abbott, Thaddeaus (Sara) Abbott, Tara (Timothy) Merrill, and Josh (Brittany) Abbott, 46 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy; his sisters-in-law, Sue Abbott and Linda Abbott, and a brother-in-law, Merrill Thompson.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Florence; his stepmother, Mazie Shell Abbott; his brothers, Stephen Paul, Ronald Kent, Orland Kay, Gary Nelson, and Kenneth Jay; his sister, Irene Elizabeth Thompson; and his first grandson, Keith Leroy Buhler.

Funeral services for Tom will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork 37th Ward Chapel located at 1100 East 400 North, American Fork, Utah. A Monday evening viewing will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the church. Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday morning prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the American Fork Cemetery located at 26 West 600 North, American Fork, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com