Dennis Leroy Abbott, 85, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026 surrounded by his wife and children. He was born October 31, 1940, in Knapp, Wisconsin, to Franklin and Alice Abbott. He spent his early years in Wisconsin and attended Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. Following high school, he attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology.

Dennis devoted more than 60 years of his life to ministry. Ordained through the Assemblies of God, he faithfully served churches and communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Virginia. Wherever God called him, Dennis gave himself wholeheartedly to the people he served. He loved being a pastor, but even more than that, he loved people.

After retiring from full-time ministry, Dennis continued serving others through his work with Honquest Family Funeral Homes in Illinois. For many years, he assisted with visitations and transportation, offering families the same kindness and care that had characterized his years in ministry.

Dennis was a people person in every sense of the word. He genuinely enjoyed being with others and treasured time with family, longtime friends and people he had only just met. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, warm personality and ability to make people feel welcome.

Those who knew Dennis well rarely, if ever, heard him complain. He was far more likely to say “thank you.” Gratitude seemed to come naturally to him, even during difficult seasons. His optimism was remarkable, and he carried a genuine appreciation for the people and blessings in his life.

Dennis and Ruth also had the privilege of serving together as clergy presenters with Assemblies of God Marriage Encounter Retreats for nearly 20 years. Drawing from their own marriage, faith and life together, they encouraged other couples in strengthening their relationships and commitment to one another.

Above all, Dennis loved his family, loved people and loved the Lord he faithfully served throughout his life. He cherished simply being with those he loved. His faith was not merely something he preached; it shaped the way he lived, served, treated people and faced life.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Alice Abbott.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Naomi Abbott; his brothers, Robert Abbott and Jerry Abbott; his daughter, Kimberly Kay Culbertson, and son-in-law, Tom James Culbertson; his son, Brian Lee Abbott, and daughter-in-law, Jodi Kay Abbott; his grandchildren, Philip Thomas Culbertson, David James Culbertson, Graham Andrew Abbott and Ethan Quinn Abbott; and his great-grandchildren, Phineas Melvin Culbertson, Berklee Kateri Akens and Hudson Quinton Abbott.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to Aged Ministers Assistance (AMA) through AG Giving, fund/ministry number 872001, a ministry that provides assistance to retired Assemblies of God ministers and their spouses. https://giving.ag.org/donate/ama?utm_source=direct_link

Dennis leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, gratitude, humor and love for people. For more than six decades, he poured his life into others. He will be deeply missed, but the influence of a life so faithfully lived will continue in his family and in the countless people who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.