Hank Abbott

Hank Abbott, 73, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, in Houston, TX.  Hank was born April 15, 1944 in Wister, OK to Dero Wood & Lois (Addison) Abbott.    He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sam & Charlie & sister, Bonnie Allen & her husband Kenneth.

Hank was a graduate of Poteau High School Class of 62.  He was a gifted musician and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.  After returning from Vietnam in 1966 he met and married the love of his life, Willene on 6/15/1967.  They lived a very happy, fulfilling and fun life together with many trips around the country  and  an unparalleled devotion to one another.  During Hank's lengthy illness and subsequent hospitalization both in Sparks and St. Luke's Baylor hospital in Houston Willene was with  him every day  and night in the hospital making that home for a year with brief time in Poteau. 

Hank was a well known local gifted musician who picked up his first guitar at a very young age and he never let go of it.  Hank especially loved singing 3- part harmony with brother Charlie and son David.  Brother Sam brought much music and color to this often hilarious group of southern gentlemen, the Abbott boys.  Older brother Woodie was their promoter, always there  to encourage and cheer them on.    Hank played and sang with many local musicians who were  not only musical  friends but became a close musical family dating back to the 70's.  Hank was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman.

          Hank was a man of faith; he was raised Baptist.  He, Willene and David were all baptized January 19, 1990 at Double Branch Church in Poteau.  He always asked us  to keep praying for him during the time of his illness and we had many prayers together.

Survivors include his wife, Willene Abbott; son, David Abbott; daughter, Sherri Hough; brothers, Woodie & wife Bea Abbott, Everett & wife Karen Nolen; sisters, Dora Abbott Escobar & husband Dr. Marco Escobar, Reba Abbott, Candy Bennett; sister in law, Hope Abbott; former sister in law, Chris Bittle; former brother in law, George Chester;  other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm Tuesday at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with  good family friend Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.