DeWitt Clinton McAbee passed away in Yakima, WA, on 22 August 2019. He was 107 years old. DeWitt was born in Brady City, Nebraska, on 29 January 1912 to John and Laura McAbee. He attended public schools in the Boise area and earned a BA in English from Northwest Nazarene College (Nampa, ID), an MDiv from the Nazarene Theological Seminary (Kansas City), and a teaching certificate from the University of Idaho. He married Iona Catherine Gause in Yakima in 1937, celebrating 62 years of marriage. From 1947 to 1964, he served as Nazarene pastor at churches in Yakima, Wenatchee, Moscow, and Union Gap. From 1961 to his retirement in 1978, he taught English first at West Valley High School (Yakima), then for 23 years at Zillah High School.
He was predeceased by his wife Iona (1999) and his daughter Carol Kelly (2003). He is survived by his daughter Joyce Kramer, daughter Mary Lou Hinkle, and son Douglas McAbee. Besides 4 children, he had 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Dewitt’s life was hallmarked by his love of family, extraordinary faith, devotion to professional excellence, and service and hospitality to others. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. A committal service will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartlinks Hospice in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
