Obituary of Don Abbott

Don Carlos Abbott, 83, of Roanoke, went to be with God on Monday, August 25, 2014. A graduate of William Byrd High School in Vinton, he served in the Merchant Marine before enlisting in the U. S. Marine Corps. He served in Korea with A Co, 1st Bn, 7th Marines and was awarded a Purple Heart. Afterwards, he attended King College and had a thirty-year career with the Roanoke Juvenile Court as a Juvenile Probation Officer. His career was a reflection of his lifelong dedication to helping children and their families, which extended to volunteering at the WIC clinic after his retirement. He was a member of Belmont Presbyterian Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and elder. He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Abbott and Edmond "Ned" Abbott, and by his sister Connie Arrington. Surviving are his daughters Laura Mason and husband, Douglas, and Elizabeth Abbott; and grandchildren Crystal Eanes and Douglas "Bucky" Mason, III. He is also survived by two sisters, Vilus Linkous, and Holly Schickler and husband, Glenn; brothers Cordell "Linkie" Abbott, and Bernard Abbott and wife, Fay; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at 5pm and hold a memorial service at 7pm on Thursday, August 28, 2014, at Simpson Funeral Home, with Rev Marina Gopadze officiating. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Children's Home of the Highlands, PO Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382 (pcch.org) or the Presbyterian Community Center (pccse.org). Friends may send their condolence's to the family by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707.