Dewey Clarence Abbe

Dewey C. Abbe, a dedicated father and grandfather (Dewdaddy), passed away at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waco, TX, on August 13, 2020.  A private family graveside service will be at Waco Memorial Park Cemetery.   The Abbe family encourages you to sign the online register book, or leave a message on the tribute wall.

Dewey was born in Roswell, New Mexico on June 25, 1941 to Leo and Dorothy Abbe of Waco, TX.  He spent his early years in Waco, TX, and graduated from University High School in 1959. He immediately joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.  He married Darlene Carpenter on October 8, 1960 and together they had four children, Steve Abbe and his wife Cyndi, Rick Abbe and his wife Suzanne, Darla Cross and her husband Bryan, and Dana Lyn Abbe, all of Waco, TX.

Dewey pursued a career in the field of Hospital Health Care and Administration through Saint Louis University. He began his professional career as a hospital administrator for the then, Providence Hospital, for seventeen years serving alongside the sisters at the hospital.  Those seventeen years were some of his most cherished memories in making a difference in the Waco community through healthcare.  He later moved from the hospital setting to the more intimate and local setting of a doctor’s office.  He became the Administrator of the Waco Bone and Joint Clinic in Waco, TX. It is there that he served with a family of doctors that were an integral part of making advances in the care of athletes from all walks of life.  He treasured his time working in this family environment where many employees were not only co-workers, but were considered family.

Serving was a huge part of what made up the character of Dewey.  He moved his family to Robinson, TX. in 1971 in order to embrace a small-town community and be a part of making a difference.  He was involved in the Little League program and various other community activities.  He served on the Robinson Independent School Board for over fifteen years while his kids moved through the school system; all proud graduates of Robison ISD. (And that Robinson tradition has continued on with many grandchildren and great grandchildren finding a home in the Robinson community and schools.) As part of the school board, he was an integral part of helping move the district through several building phases, including the Cafetorium. His servant heart also found a place to serve in many capacities through his local church, Highland Baptist Church.  And later in life, Dewey, served quietly behind the scenes by pouring into the lives of many struggling through addictions and tough times.  We may never know the extent of how many lives were touched by the encouragement, phone calls, and mentoring he did over the years.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He was very proud of each of his kids, but he was especially fond of each grandchild, and great grandchild that became an extension of his family.  It brought him great joy to see his family grow, find success, and make a difference.  That servant spirit is a legacy that continues in the Abbe family.

Dewey was predeceased in death by his parents and two brothers, Dennis and Deryl. Dewey was one of six brothers, all with names that started with “D.” David, Dewey, Donny, Dennis, Darryl, and Danny. He was also proceeded in death by his daughter, Dana Lyn Abbe.

He is survived by his four children and their families.  He had 17 grandchildren, Heather McCall and husband Andrew, Haylee Beard and husband Jordan, Hannah Ashley and husband Richard, Hunter Abbe and wife Shelby, Emily Arlitt and husband Daniel, Erin Montgomery and husband Austin, Zach Cross and wife Molly, Ty Cross and wife Lauren, and Abbe Cross.  He was extremely proud of his 11 great grandchildren, Addie, Everlee, Emmy Jo, Heath, Malachi, Troy, Teague, Harper, Jacks, Leighton, and Clyde.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dewey’s neighbors for their thoughtful care in looking out for their neighbor.  Your love, and care did not go unnoticed and was very appreciated.  We are grateful for the many doctors and support staff at the Waco VA for their care as well.  Thank you to many friends and family who stepped in along the way to encourage and care for our family.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in his honor to Crossroads Fellowship Church Legacy Offering, 405 Estates Drive, Woodway, Texas 76712 or xroadsonline.org/giving