Jesse Benjamin

Wade Abbott

Jesse Benjamin Wade Abbott, 91, died February 10, 2011. He was born December 26, 1919, in South Hutchinson, the son of Jesse V. and Lillian Butler Abbott.

He had been a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He returned to Hutchinson for a short time to live and work on the family farm. He also worked for the Kansas Power and Light plant, Collingwood Elevator on 17th Street and remembered the big grain explosion. He then moved to California for the next 50 years, working at his brother Lester's Five and Dime Store and a shoe store in Dos Palos. He worked at Crest Mirror and Door Factory in Los Angeles for the next 24 years, retiring in 1967, then moved back to Dos Palos and rejoined Lester in selling real estate. In the spring of 1992, he moved back to Hutchinson to help care for his brother Bill and his sister Irene. He still needed to keep busy, so he went into business for himself selling motor additive System 48-Plus. Jesse had always been a devout Christian, being active in his church in California and in Wichita.

Jesse is survived by a sister-in-law, Jane Abbott, Oakhirst, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters, Virginia, Clella Mae, Eugene "Bill," Lillian "Tiny," Irene, Leone, Darlene and Lester.

Graveside service will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Eastside Cemetery, with Pastor Todd Schlosser officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Navy Honor Guard. Calling hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal condolence for his family.