Lyle (Tommy) Abbott, 91, of New Castle, died February 1, 2014 and left for Heaven to join his wife, Geneva, whom he has missed greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Bertie Brickey Abbott; brother, Curtis Abbott and sister, June Abbott Lugar. He is survived by sons, Clayton (Laurene) and Gary (Francis), daughter, Sheila Abbott Dehart (Jimmy), as well as beloved grandchildren, Christy Fralin (Brian), Gary Abbott, Jr. (Megan), and their mother, Sandra Abbott; Ryne Brooks (Jenn), Dustin Brooks and Emily Fridley; great-grandchildren, Bailey and London Fralin and Gage Abbott; nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his faithful companion, Lucky, and his church families at Cornerstone and other congregations throughout the area. He loved attending worship service and was able to do so until the last few months. He was a kind and gentle spirit who loved his Lord, his family, and farming. A veteran of World War II, on occasion he played golf with and drove General Eisenhower around Germany as a motor pool driver. He loved sports and was a great baseball player in his youth, once playing on a team opposite Ted Williams. He retired from Eaton Corporation. Tommy was well known for his incredible memory for jokes and his "Pride and Joy" and "Count the F's" cards he handed out to everyone he met. Born 11-11-22, as he would say, he was proud of his longevity and frequently sported his "1922 Model" hat (even in his hospital bed) and always nearby was his "mouse" he made from a napkin that he used to scare waitresses, nurses, and delight children. Our sincere thanks to the staff at the Virginia Veteran's Care Center, on 2 West for providing such loving and excellent care.

The family will receive friends at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2014, with the funeral immediately following. Services will be conducted by Pastor Don Brown. Burial will be private.