John D. Abney

“John D. Abney, Jr. of Lubbock peacefully departed this life on March 12, 2016 at the age of 87. Born August 7, 1928, in Dallas, Texas, he attended Texas A&M, graduated from Southern Methodist University and was a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He met the love of his life, Jane Haylett Abney, while in the Navy and they married on December 21, 1954. After retiring from the Navy, John moved back to Dallas and began a career with Mutual of Omaha that spanned 66 years. He moved his family to Lubbock in 1961 to manage the Mutual of Omaha office. In addition to being very active in the business community, John was a member of First Christian Church, Rotary International and, the Lions Club International and a volunteer at Covenant Lakeside for a number of years.
After 55 years of marriage, John now joins his wife for eternity, but will continue to live in the hearts of his daughter, Ellen Persefield and husband Bill of Garland, son John E. (Gene) Abney and wife Trina of Odessa, and daughter Allyson Porter and husband Jan of Tomball; grandchildren, Daren Abney and wife Anndee of Lubbock, David Abney and wife Sae of Houston, and Aaron Porter of Tomball; great grandchildren, Violet Abney and Leo Abney of Lubbock. John’s family and friends will remember his generosity, how he always put others happiness first and the loving kindness he so freely gave to everyone he met.
An informal “Gathering of Family and Friends” in celebration of his life will take place at Lake Ridge Chapel, 6025 82nd Street, on Tuesday March 15th, 2016 from 5 p.m. till 7 p.m. A private family burial with military honors will be held in Dallas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to University Medical Center Heart Center, 602 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79415.”