William M. "Bill" Abbott

William M. “Bill” Abbott, age 64, passed from this life on January 4th, 2021. Bill was born on August 27th, 1956 to Walter and Kathryn (Setser) Abbott, who have both preceded him in death. Bill married Linda Kempker on May 26, 1979, who survives at the home. Bill and Linda raised four children, Gayle (Matt) Trachsel of Jefferson City, Gwen Kesel of Tuscumbia, Chad (Colleen) Abbott of Tuscumbia, and Courtney (Bricker) Berry of Buffalo. In addition to his role of loving father and husband, Bill was a very proud grandpa of his sixteen grandkids: Sydney (fiance’ James) , Kenadi, Gage, Madilyn, Sophia, Isabella, & Khloe Trachsel; Matthew, Mackenze, Riley, and Nolan Kesel; William Isaiah, Wyatt, and Judd Abbott; and Daxton and Newton  Berry, and one great-grandson, Rhett Davis.  

Bill was also proceeded in death by his mother-in-law Rosemary Kempker and uncle Jerry Setser. Other survivors include, father-in-law Leonard Kempker, his aunt Billie Setser and cousin, John Setser (Debbie). Six brothers-in-law: John (Gail) Kempker, Len (Deb) Kempker, Jerry (Mary) Kempker, Sam (Tammy) Kempker, Mark (Crystal) Kempker, Brian (Christy) Kempker and five sisters-in-law: Brenda (Bill) Smith, Margie (Harry) Adrian, Loretta (Bill) Berhorst, Joyce (Tim) Musick, and Roselyn (Aaron) Wood. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Many people knew Bill from his various careers throughout his life. Bill graduated from Tuscumbia High School in 1975. From there he started his law enforcement career with the Missouri Department of Corrections working in the Missouri State Penitentiary until he joined the Missouri National Guard. Bill served in the National Guard for twenty-two years. As a sergeant, Bill deployed on tours in Honduras, Panama, Japan, and two tours in Germany. During this time, Bill served as a civil servant at the United States Property and Fiscal Office in a variety of roles.

In April of 2000, Bill was elected as the Miller County Sheriff. Bill worked to restore confidence and integrity to the Sheriff’s office. Bill served as Sheriff until his retirement in 2016. Bill was instrumental in establishing the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force, a multi county group formed to stop narcotics trafficking.    His time in public office allowed Bill to meet many people across the county and state. Bill enjoyed campaigning along with his mother, Kathryn, and Uncle Jerry Setser. He was also involved as a member of the Republican party. Bill served on the Miller County Republican Central Committee for over fourteen years. In 2019, Bill was appointed to the Missouri Petroleum Storage Tank Insurance Fund by Governor Mike Parson.

Most recently, Bill helped many people in his role as a funeral assistant at Phillips Funeral Home. Many people found peace in knowing Bill was the one taking their loved one to their final resting place.

In addition to his many professional roles, Bill was most proud of his roles as a father and grandfather. Bill played basketball in high school which made him a great coach for his kids’ teams. You could find Bill at many basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, and football games. Raising cattle throughout his life, Bill was a major supporter of youth in agriculture sponsoring activities at the Miller County Fair and especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids show cattle. Bill enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, and playing golf. In his retirement, he was an avid canner with Linda as you could find him making his famous tomato juice and pickles.

Bill was a member of the Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church where he served as a parish council member. Bill was a third degree Knight in the Mary’s Home Knights of Columbus Council 3267.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at Our Lady Snows Catholic Center in Mary’s Home, MO with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Memorials in his name are requested to the family to benefit his grandchildren’s future educational endeavors.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Mary’s Home, MO with Rev. P. Gregory Oligschlaeger officiating and assisted by Deacon Steve Schwartz.

Burial with full military honors will be in Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.

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