Wayne D. Abbott, of Orleans, formerly of Grand Island, NE, died peacefully Sunday, December 6, 2009, at his daughter's home in Edison with all of his children, most of his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by his side. Wayne donated his body to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska. A memorial service will be Friday, December 11, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Orleans, NE. The Rev. Harlan Waskowiak will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date in the columbarium at the Shrine of Saint Therese, in Juneau, AK where he will join his wife Nonie. Curran Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Wayne was born December 7, 1935 in Harlan County, NE. He was the son of Merlin W. and Lillian M (Schliem) Abbott. Survivors of the immediate family include two daughters, Wanda J. and Darrel Paulson of Edison, NE. Nancy Sue of Ravenna, NE. Two sons, Timothy and Dyanna Abbott of Wilsonville, NE. Billy and Jolene Abbott of Oxford, NE. 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren with 2 to be joining the family soon. Wayne grew up and received his education in Oxford. He entered the U.S. Marine Corp and served until his discharge. He married Winona (Nonie) C. Keezer on May 13, 1955 at Oxford, NE. They lived in Oxford, Longview WA, New Mexico, Kansas, Wood River, and Alda. Wayne was employed as a production welder at New Holland for 25 years, retiring in January 1991. After retirement he and his wife traveled, visited family and friends and moved back to their hometown. Nonie died in January of 2000. Shortly after his wife's death he moved back to Grand Island where he was employed at St. Francis treatment center until his health would no longer allow it. He then moved to Orleans but still volunteered at St. Francis until shortly before his death. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Grand Island, NE. He was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for almost 36 years. He was very active sharing his experience, strength, and hope with countless others on the road to sobriety. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to be sent to the family to be passed on to a special friend he met at the beginning of his battle with cancer. This friend became a very much loved person and like a member of his family and is still in the war against cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nonie, great grandson, Trenton, and a brother, Ralph Abbott