Donald J. Abbett, age 86, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Tuscumbia on October 28, 1931, son of the late Sherman Jasper and Effie Irene (Burks) Abbett. On October 8, 1955, in Tuscumbia, Donald married Betty Mae Flaugher, who preceded him in death on April 21, 1993.

Donald honorably served in the Army during the Korean War. Last year he had the privilege of going on the Central Missouri Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to honor him and the fellow veteran's sacrifices and service to their great country.

Donald owned and operated Abbett's Grocery and later Don's Market in Tuscumbia. He farmed in the Miller County area for several years and was a bus driver for Tuscumbia School for 17 years. In his later years, Donald started flipping houses. At the age of 70, he took and passed his GED course and participated in a graduation ceremony.

He is survived by one son, Donnie Abbett and wife Janet of Tuscumbia; two daughters, Lynn Pendleton and husband Michael and Christy Rush and husband Reggie both of Tuscumbia; nine grandchildren, Brett and Bart Pendleton, Donnie, Aaron, and Sara Abbett, Annie McGowin, Elliott Rush, Suzie Hendley, and Hillary Humphreys; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Kenneth Abbett and wife Kathy.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred, Pearcy, and Earcy Abbett; and one sister, Juanita Wilson.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 11, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Chris Reynolds and Bill Vernon officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Tuscumbia.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 10, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Missouri Honor Flight.