David John Abbott

Lt Col David John Abbott, USMC, Ret. passed away on April 20, 2020. David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was active in his community and served our country faithfully in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22 years.

David was born on September 9, 1955 in Jackson, MI to Donald and Dolores Abbott. David grew up in Jackson, MI with his 3 siblings, Bill, Nancy and Chuck. David attended Parkside High School where he excelled in football, lacrosse and track and field. Upon graduating high school, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and attended Officer Candidate School while attending Albion College in Albion, MI. During college he continued to excel in athletics and was a Tri-Captain of the Albion College MIAA Championship Football Team and Tri-Captain of the Albion Lacrosse Team. He graduated in 1977, and was later inducted into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

After graduating from Albion, David went on to become an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He retired out of Camp Pendleton, CA as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1999 after 22 years of military service. During his time in California, he coached his sons in Lacrosse and became the Southern California Lacrosse High School Coach of the year in 2004. He went on to earn his MBA at Pepperdine College and had a successful career in business. He retired in 2012 and eventually settled in Elk Rapids, MI with his wife, Sally. David continued to serve his community in Elk Rapids, and became the AmVets District Commander. David enjoyed spending his time with family and friends at the Post, on his boat at the Elk Lake sandbar, and golfing at A-Ga-Ming.

David is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sally. David and Sally met in Gardnerville, NV in 1982 and married in Minden, NV on April 9, 1983. Together they raised three beautiful children, Kurt 40, Jessica 38, and Jacob 33. He was a proud grandfather to six granddaughters and one grandson, who lovingly referred to him as their Papa. Kaya 16, Sarah, 14, Sephora 12, Presley 9, Kennedy 7, Isaiah 7, and Caelan 6. David provided a wealth of love and knowledge to his children and grand children, telling stories of his travels and experiences around the world, and teaching them how to fish, hunt, and make s'mores around a campfire.

David left our family with wonderful memories and a huge hole in our hearts. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date at the AmVets Post 114. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the AmVets Post 114 in his honor.