Gary Nelson Abbott - Walker Funeral Home

Gary Nelson Abbott successfully completed his mission on earth and returned to his Father in Heaven on July 3, 2022, in Payson, Utah. He was born to Stephen Nelson Abbott and Florence Elizabeth Durrant on April 16, 1949, in Provo, Utah. He was one of seven siblings whom he loved dearly.

After graduating from Springville High School in 1967, he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southeast Mexico Mission from 1968-1970. It was during this time that he developed a deep and abiding love for his hispanic brothers and sisters, their culture, and language. He carried his love of the people and even maintained fluency of the Spanish language throughout his life by using it every chance he had.

On November 10, 1972, Gary married his sweetheart, Linda Behling, in the Provo, Utah Temple. Gary was an attentive husband who loved and served his sweet wife, Linda, fiercely. They made a great team, and together, they raised 4 amazing sons and 2 wonderful daughters. Gary was an incredible father who instilled in his children a strong work-ethic, and a great love for the Lord. As a young father, Gary enjoyed the outdoors and was wood badge trained with the Boy Scouts of America.

He was a dedicated employee of Contractors Heating and Cooling Supply for many years. During his time there, his filing cabinet became a make-shift candy and snack shop and his fellow employees were his loyal customers. He passed this salesmanship quality on to his children, as well as the love of a great deal.

Gary was a missionary all his life. One way he served others was through his love of baking. He was constantly baking bread and cookies and took joy in sharing his creations with family, friends, and neighbors. Many people’s fondest memories of Gary are accompanied by the sweet smell of fresh baked bread. Another of Gary’s unique and favorite ways of offering service was through special occasion cards that he would design himself on his computer and sign with his trademark nickname, Brerabbott. Always the dynamic duo, Linda would hand write a note to go with it. These cards became a hallmark of Gary and Linda’s. Together they sent out hundreds of personalized cards as a way to show their love to friends and family.

Hand in hand with Linda, Gary enjoyed serving in the temple and doing family history work. He served faithfully in bishopric and high council callings as well as as a Bishop of a BYU student ward. In 2016, he and Linda served as full-time missionaries in the Lansing, Michigan Mission. It was a very special time in his life to be able to serve as a missionary again, this time with his eternal companion by his side. Serving the Lord and attending to his priesthood duties were of the utmost importance to Gary all his life. Even on his last day on earth, Gary was ready to participate in church services and worship the God he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, kindness, love, dedication, and above all, JOY!

He is survived by his dedicated wife, Linda; children, Nelson (Heather) Abbott of Elk Ridge, Utah, Nathan (DeLinda) Abbott of American Fork, Utah, Emily (Kasey) Crawford of Lehi, Utah, Solinda (Nathan) Niles of 29 Palms, California, Tiffini (Kenneth, deceased) Abbott of Payson, Utah, and Jared (Shannon) Abbott of Spring Lake, Utah; 22 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two brothers and a sister. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Florence Abbott; stepmother, Mazie Shepherd Shell; brothers, Kenneth, Orland, and Paul; son, Kenneth Behling Abbott; in-laws, Rex and Thora Behling; and sister-in-law, Lois Behling Balhorn.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 West 800 South, Payson, Utah. Visitation will be held prior from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

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10 Condolences for Gary Nelson Abbott

Condolences(10)

Lyman Abbott says

July 6, 2022 at 2:58 am

Dear Linda and family. We are so sad about Gary’s passing. He was a great man and cousin. May you have peace and comfort. Love Lyman and Beverly

Alison Watkins Spencer says

July 6, 2022 at 3:28 am

Thank you Linda and Gary for everything you did for my mom and dad in the neighborhood. You guys were such faithful RS and home teachers to them and I really appreciate it. You made them feel like they were cared about when many throughout the years haven’t. My condolences go out you Linda, and also your kids. I hope you feel some peace and comfort at this difficult time. Much love to you all.

Teresa Richards says

July 6, 2022 at 1:44 pm

I love you and I am so grateful for you in my life. Aunt Linda I’m sorry Uncle Gary went to heaven. You are both amazing people. My deepest condolences and prayers

Teresa Richards says

July 6, 2022 at 1:46 pm

I love you and I am so grateful for you in my life. Aunt Linda I’m sorry Uncle Gary went to heaven. You are both amazing people. My deepest condolences and prayers. My deepest love and prayers for all during this time. Much love

Jack Perine says

July 6, 2022 at 2:59 pm

Deepest condolences to the Abbott clan. Gary is one of the noble and great ones and he has had a wonderful effect on many lives including mine. I am sorry for his loss to his family, especially Linda and his children but his joy and peace is full as he is reunited with Kenneth and other family members. The Gospel of our Savior makes sadness joyful and Gary is filled with the truths of the good news. We that know him will miss him and look forward to the glorious day of a reunion!!

Debbie Villegas says

July 6, 2022 at 4:22 pm

Linda I’m so sorry to hear about Gary my deepest condolences to you and your family

REPLY
Debbie ward says
July 6, 2022 at 7:44 pm

Dear Linda. You have my prayers and 💕 love

Van Gessel says

July 8, 2022 at 3:18 pm

Dear Sister Abbott and family: It was my privilege to call Gary to serve as a bishop at BYU. He was dedicated, always cheerful, and very much beloved by his ward members. It was a blessing to serve with him. My sincere condolences to you in this time of mourning.

Max and Ann Behling says

July 9, 2022 at 5:27 am

Linda,
So sorry to hear about Gary. We are not able to make it to the services.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Khatrina Meeuwsen says

July 11, 2022 at 4:10 am

My dear friend Linda and family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary! He was truly a saint here on earth and Katelyn, Jayson and I will miss him very much. He has always been such a great servant of God and we feel so blessed to have met him and you on our journey! We love you so very much! As you continue to pray to Him, God will give you the comfort and peace you need during this time and always. Love you.

Gary Nelson Abbott April 16, 1949 - July 3, 2022

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10 Condolences for Gary Nelson Abbott