Steven Wayne Abbott

Steven Wayne Abbott, 70, of LaJunta, CO, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024 at his LaJunta home. He was born on October 10, 1953, to Theodore Abbott & Doris {George} Abbott in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Steve graduated from Central High School in Duluth, Minnesota in 1971. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until he was honorably discharged in 1976. He served as a cook during the Vietnam War and was proud to serve his country.

After leaving the military, Steve worked various jobs and attended Central Missouri State University, Texas Christian University, and Colorado State University, where he received his Masters in Education and became a teacher. He taught in Holyoke, CO as the Industrial Arts teacher, Colorado Boys Ranch in La Junta, CO, and Las Animas High School in Las Animas, Co as the Career and Technology Education teacher. Steve also taught in three small rural villages in Alaska.

Steve also served as Pastor, Associate Pastor, Youth Minister and Music Minister in various Southern Baptist Churches in Missouri and Colorado. His love of music and Jesus were greatly enjoyed.

As a young man in Minnesota, he was an eagle scout and also received a Medal of Merit for saving the people involved in an automobile accident. He also saved his younger brother and sister from a bear in Minnesota.

Steven is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan {Weichert} Abbott of La Junta, CO; son, Wayne Abbott of La Junta, CO; sisters Kathye (Joe) Peters of Aurora, CO; Rebecca (John) Lankhorst of Aurora, CO; and Laura Abbott Flynn of Aurora, CO; brothers, Michael (Deborah) Abbott of Salida, CO; and Gregory Abbott of Aurora. CO; numerous nephews, nieces and great nephews and great nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore & Doris Abbott, Maternal and Paternal grandparents, and his aunts & uncles.

Interment will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Lyon National Cemetery in Ft. Lyon, CO. Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 3:00 at First Southern Baptist Church in La Junta with Pastor Brandon Mills officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Steven’s name to Ark Valley Hospice in La Junta, CO.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.