Mr. Gary L. Abbott, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:03 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born September 7, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Guy and Edith (Morris) Abbott. He married Debbra Hayburn on June 7, 1975, in Kirkwood, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Debbra Abbott; one son, Gary E. (and Jennifer) Abbott of Galesburg; and six grandchildren, Miranda Adams, Dalton Adams, Jalen Abbott, Mason Abbott, Kaden Abbott, and Lilliana Abbott. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Glenda Woods, on November 21, 2013.
Gary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1966. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970. Following his military service, he worked as a mill operator for Butler Manufacturing for 39 years before retiring in 2005. He was of the Christian faith and was a member of United Steelworkers Local 685 and the AMVETS in Galesburg.
Gary enjoyed visiting the Gordon Behrents Senior Center, where he especially appreciated the opportunity to socialize with friends. He loved the many dogs he had throughout the years, especially his two Chihuahuas, Blackie and Sugar, who survive him. Above all, Gary cherished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the chapel, with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the Gordon Behrents Senior Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
