Manley Alldredge Abbott, our sweet dad, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, in his home in Sugarville Utah, at age 91, with his sweet wife Maxine at his side. Manley was born on November 1, 1925 in a little two room tar paper covered shack in Sugarville, Utah, to George Myron and Doris Elma Alldredge Abbott. He was the fifth child born to his parents but only the second to thrive after birth.
Manley attended school at the Sutherland Elementary, and then on to Delta High School. World War II interrupted his Senior year; and on February 23, 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and began his fight in the European Conference. He flew his full 25 missions as a belly gunner on a B-17 bomber, and only after was injured when a 20 millimeter shell exploded just a few feet in front of him. Some of the shrapnel is still in his legs and face.
Manley returned home from the war to marry Ardith Maxine Terry on February 12, 1947. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on February 26, 1959. They have spent the last 69 years and 9 months building an Eternal Family with 6 children, 25 grandchildren and 75 great-grandchildren.
Manley is preceded in death by his parents: George and Doris; 6 brothers and 1 sister. He is survived by his loving wife: Maxine Terry Abbott, Sugarville, UT; son: Manley Anthony (Thorelle) Abbott, Sugarville, UT; son: Melvin Terry (Sharon) Abbott, Sugarville, UT; daughter: Wendy (Mike) Pearce, Nibley, UT; son: Robert Daniel (Kathy) Abbott, Santa Clara, UT; daughter: Patricia Sue (Ivan) Matheson, Enoch, UT; daughter: Jennifer (Bryce) Tolbert, Abraham, Utah; 25 grandchildren and 75 great-grandchildren (with 5 in processing mode) and a great-great-grandchild due in December; brother: Bill (Jeanine) Abbott , Delta, UT; sister: Mary Lin (Robert) Layton, Layton UT.
Manley was known for all that he did to help others. He served in the community, but even more so, he served as a faithful Latter-day Saint. Not only bearing his testimony on a regular basis, but also by living his testimony. I have heard it said that "he would give you the shirt off his back" if that was what you were in need of.
Dad spent his time repairing, fixing, remodeling and making due. He loved to tinker and to make things useable again. Hardly ever was anything thrown away that had not been repaired at least several times by dad first. He loved to build and tells about only being 7 years old when he first smelt the odor of freshly cut pine wood. He said he fell in love with wood working that very moment. He never stopped long enough to feel sorry for himself, he just kept doing for others and always provided well for his family, and those around him whether physically or just as a friend.
He retired from Hill Air Force base in Ogden, UT in 1975, and returned to his beloved Sugarville home to remodel and repair it for the next 40 years. He drove bus for the Millard School District until 1990, when he retired. He was then serving as the Bishop of the Sutherland 1st ward and after completing his calling as Bishop, he and mom were called as ordinance workers in 1993 in the Manti LDS Temple, where they served two days a week for 13 years. On September 7, 1997, Dad was called to the eternal position of Sealer in the Temple. He has had the opportunity to seal many of his grandchildren giving them the gift of Eternity with the one they love.
Manley will be honored for his years of love and service on Tuesday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m., at the Sutherland LDS Chapel, 2650 N 3000 W. Viewings will be held Monday, 6-8 p.m., at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S Center St; and Tuesday, 9:30-10:40 a.m., prior to the service. He will then be laid to rest with military rites at the Sutherland Cemetery.
We would like to express our thanks to the West Millard Hospice care team, Laura Eliason and to Dr. Shamo for his constant care and love, and also to our beloved ward family for all the love, concern and support that they have given to our parents and the family over the past few months.