Harley Curtis Abbott was born in Cabool, Missouri, on June 14, 1924, to Ray and Carrie (Farris) Abbott. He departed this life on August 15, 2020, at the age of 96.
He grew up in the Cabool, Willow Springs, and Pomona areas. At the age of 18, he joined the Army and fought for our country in World War II while stationed in the Philippines. He didn’t tell many stories about that part of his life, as he didn’t like to talk about it. After his tour of duty was over, he came home to Missouri and married his sweetheart, Hazel Sarah Saffell, on June 17, 1946, and to this union, three sons were born; Mikeal, Terry, and Dennis.
Harley moved his family to Wichita, Kansas, where he went to work for Boeing Aircraft for the next 21 years. After retiring from Boeing, they decided to come home where they bought a farm in Trask, Missouri. He wasn’t satisfied with retirement, so he went back to work at various jobs including, the cheese plant, Mountain View elementary as a janitor, and Smith’s Flooring Mill as he wasn’t afraid of hard work.
He is preceded in death by his sweetheart; his parents; four brothers, Max, Don, David, and Jackie; two sons, Mikeal and Terry; and grandson, Mathew.
Survivors include one son, Dennis Abbott of Mountain View, MO; three daughter-in-law’s, Vicky Abbott of Jefferson City, Kathy Abbott and Pat Abbott both of Mountain View, MO; six grandchildren, Clarissa, Jennifer, Kayla, Sheila, Robert, and Michelle; eleven great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hazel Baughn and Leona Freeze; and several nieces and nephews.
Harley lived a long and happy life, although there were many struggles along the way. To some, he was a war veteran to others, a friend, husband, and father. To those of us that are left, he was our Pappy and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at Yarber Mortuary in Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor Charles Ferguson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Walker Chapel Cemetery at Simmons Bank. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
