Kenneth Wayne Abbott, 77, of rural Tiffin, died Friday February 6, 2009 at Blachard Valley Hospital following a lengthy illness.

On March 17, 1931 he was born to William and Myrtle (Rodgers) Abbott in Pontotoc, Mississippi. On April 13, 1951 he married VaNell Parker, she is deceased. On May 11, 1978 he married Iris Sargent, and she survives.

Survivors include his wife Iris, daughters Shirley (James) Munson of Bradenton, FL; Bert Abbott of Lewiston, MI; Fran "Franki" Donelson of Muscatine, IA; Ann (Fred) Nanamaker of Findlay; Marty (Daryal) Heldman of Tiffin, sons Bill (Becky) Donelson of Brighton, IA; Steve Donelson of Gainesville, VA, a sister Pauline Watts of Pontotoc, MS, and eighteen grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death is his parents, first wife VaNell, a brother Ocie Abbott, a sister Melba Montgomery.

Ken worked at Tiffin Metal as a supervisor for over 30 years. He designed a series of lifts and hydraulics for Galion Heavy Equipment for over 10 years, and Ken did all of this without any formal college education. He retired as a groundskeeper from Seneca Memory Garden in 1993. Ken was an avid fisherman, who loved everything outdoors, especially gardening and taking great care of his roses and trees. He was always there for his neighbors, but most importantly he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to so many. He taught all of his children that, "a job worth doing, is worth doing well."

A funeral service will be 10:30a.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883, (419) 447-2424, with Pastor Sam Suman officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family 2-8p.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to FACT or to Trinity United Brethren Church.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at hgmackfuneralhome.com.