John Raymond Abbott, 77, of Andalusia, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024, at his residence. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.

John was born February 16, 1946, in Moline, to Luther Franklin and Helen Irene (Crowell) Abbott. He graduated from United Township High School and attended Black Hawk College. John served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1971. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency and served as an Intelligence Analyst. John was deployed to HQ 177th ASA Korea from 1967-1969 and deployed to USAF Bae, Homestead, FL from 1969-1971. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Expeditionary Force, and the Army Commendation Medal.

John married Jyll L. Johnson on March 17, 1984, in Rock Island. He worked at John Deere Harvester Works in the Experimental Department from 1971-1981 as a scheduler and expeditor. John also worked at HQ AMCCOM (Armament, Munitions, Chemical Command) also known as HQ IOC, OSC, AFSC, ASC from 1982-2006. During his time at HQ AMCCOM, John worked as Production Manager in Large Caliber Munitions, Navy Munitions, and Artillery Fuses, and was the Emergency Operations Officer for Operation Desert Storm from 1990-1991; Special Plans and Analysis Organization Development from 1991-2000; Operations Officer HQ G3, Operations Officer Southwest Asia (SWA), and Theater Desk for Operations Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) from 2001-2006. In 2006, John retired as Director of Pre-Deployment Training G3 (GS14), receiving 6 Commander awards for Civilian Service for Lifesaving, Performance, and Special Tasks/Functions, and 3 Army Achievement Awards for Special Missions and Performance. John was also a Paramedic for 10 years serving as President for the Andalusia Volunteer Ambulance Service and taught EMT classes.

John enjoyed history, especially Civil War history and Native American history, contributing to several Native American tribes. He also liked to travel, taking trips to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, and watching Bald Eagles. Above all, John loved his family and researching his family heritage and history.

Those left to honor John's memory include his wife of 40 years, Jyll; children, Joseph Abbott, Julia Abbott, Joni Abbott, and June (Larry) Clemons; grandchildren, Brock, Brody, E.J. (fiancé, Austin), Malorie, Raina, Briellah, Katie, John, and Liberty; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Greyson; sister and brother-in-law, Sheryl and Virlon Lamberson; and sister-in-law, Debbie Johnson.

John was preceded in death by his parents; beloved fur baby, Jody; mother and father-in-law, Della and Paul Johnson; and brother-in-law, Bryan Johnson.

John's family would like to express their gratitude to James Petersen, the Andalusia Volunteer Ambulance Service, Andalusia Fire Department, the Rock Island County Sheriffs Office, and everyone who quickly responded to John's aid before he passed.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with John's family on his tribute wall at www.wheelanpressly.com.

Quad City Animal Welfare Center
724 2nd Avenue W., Milan IL 61264
Web: https://qcawc.org/