Lawrence “Larry” Abbott passed away on Sept. 27 at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam. He died of natural causes. He was 98.

Larry was born on April 3, 1921, in Heglar, Idaho. During WWII he served with the 797th Engineering Company in the Southeast Asian Theatre, including Burma. His service awards include an American Theatre Service Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. After the war, Larry married Loreta Fuller on Feb. 16, 1947, in Grants Pass, Oregon. They later moved to the Pacific Northwest where Larry worked at Camp Grisdale and at Rinehart Motors. He then started Larry’s Flying A Mobil Service Station in Montesano. He also worked at Early Tire for 24 years.

Larry lived in Montesano for 27 years, where he served as mayor pro tem, on the city council and at the Lions Club. Larry was instrumental in starting the Montesano Civil Defense. Larry owned the North Beach Café in Pacific Beach and later worked as an independent paper carrier for the Aberdeen Daily World. He proudly served as Commander of Hoquiam VFW No. 1135 for five years.

Larry is survived by two brothers, Robert Kenyon and Jim Abbott and a sister, Margaret. Also a special niece, Cecilia Worthington and children Marlene Muller, Larry Robert Abbott and daughter-in-law Donna. He had 11 grandchildren and numerous greats.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Hoquiam VFW No. 1135, followed by a potluck at the VFW. Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Family Mortuary. Memorial donations may be sent to: Hoquiam VFW #1135, 407 7 th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550.