David J. Abbott

David James Abbott of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born in Loves Park, IL, on November 29, 1932, to parents Emery and Clarice (Koch) Abbott. After graduating from Harlem High School in Loves Park, he attended Drake University School of Pharmacy. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted and served in the Korean War. Upon returning, he married his sweetheart, Helen Phillips, on April 12, 1958, and they spent 66 wonderful years together; she survives. 

David’s career as a pharmacist and store manager with Osco Drugs took their family from Joliet, Illinois, to Marion and South Bend, Indiana, and then to Elkhart, Indiana, where he and Helen raised their three children, all of whom graduated from Concord High School. He was a member of the Elkhart Lions club, Elk’s Club, and the Knights of Columbus. After retirement, Dave & Helen traveled, and he enjoyed Canadian fishing trips with his Osco buddies. They lived in Naples, Florida, for several years before returning to Indiana, where they spent 20 wonderful years on Sweetwater Lake near Edinburgh, to be closer to their growing family of grandchildren. 

Dave loved big band music and dancing with his bride. As head of a “house divided,” he was an avid fan of both IU and Purdue basketball, as well as Notre Dame football. He often reminisced about his childhood summers in Fairdale, Illinois, and family vacations at Lake Kegonsa. But most of all, he enjoyed smoking a cigar and “laughin’ and scratchin’” on the deck at the lake surrounded by family, especially on their annual Indy 500 race weekends.

“Papa” will be so missed by his wife and children, Joanne (John) Cole of Fishers, IN, James (Janet) Abbott of Wolcottville, IN, and Janet (Dave) Zimmerman of Carmel, IN; his sister, Judy (Robert) Hallberg of Rockford, IL; and grandchildren Aaron Cole, Matt Cole, Nick Abbott, Kate Abbott, Kyle Zimmerman and Ryan Zimmerman. His first great-grandchild was born on August 14th.

A celebration of life will be held privately at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Riley Children’s Foundation, PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206.