FAIRFIELD – Donald M. Abbott, 79, formally of Strong, died unexpectedly at his home in Fairfield Friday, Sept. 19, 2008.
He was born in Strong, Maine, on Dec. 31, 1928, the son of Daniel L. And Birdena (Lake) Abbott. Donald was educated in the schools of Strong and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army most of time in Iceland. He married Cora Deming in 1953 and she died in 1996. He then married Elizabeth (Brack) Smith in August 1998.
Donald was a truck driver most of his life and was known as “Diesel Don.” He loved being on the road and would tell many stories of his experiences. As a young man Don worked at Fosters Mfg. Co. in Strong for many years, Bud Haggan plowing and Backhoe work, then drove a pulp truck for Smokey Gilmore and was the first person in the area to have and operate a pulp loader on his truck. Don later drove pulp truck for the late Harry Gordon for many years before ultimately retiring from Cousneau Lumber Co, driving tractor trailer, hauling sawed lumber to Canada and the New England States.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #78 of Strong and loved working with wood, caring for his home, animals and especially traveling. He was a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
He will be sadly missed by his best friend and loving wife of ten years, Elizabeth (Brack) Smith Abbott; two daughters, Sheila Abbott and companion Joe of Phillips, Dawn Abbott of Strong; sons, David Abbott and wife Carrie of Strong, Michael Smith and wife Julie of Madison, Richard Smith and wife Tonya of Winslow; grandchildren, Michelle “Abbott” Smith and husband Tad, Jonathan Smith and companion Jen Henry, Ashley Theberge and husband Nick, Jordan Smith and companion Haley Crocker, Kris Matthew, Desiree, and Katie; great grandchildren, Jordon, Hunter, Trenton, Abel, Teagen, and Haidyn, a brother Lauris “Andy” Abbott and wife Beverly of Strong, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don was predeceased by his first wife, his parents and a very special grand mother, Gram Lake.
A graveside service will be held 1 pm Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at the West Freeman Cemetery in West Freeman with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating.
Friends wishing may make donations in his memory to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Road, Farmington, Maine 04938
Arrangements under the care and direction Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
My dearest sympathy to all of Dons loved ones. He was such a wonderful man. I have very fond memories of the time I spent with the Abbott family.