Wayne Thomas Abbott, 79, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 in Poteau. Wayne was born in Poteau on February 6, 1931 to Joseph Lester & Floy May (Bell) Abbott. He was a graduate of Wister High School in 1948. He graduated from the US Air Force Cadet Program in 1957 receiving his commission. Wayne was a fighter pilot. He served in Vietnam; was awarded a Distinguished Flying and retired as a Major. Upon his retirement in 1974 at the request of the Poteau Mayor he took over the Poteau airport and started the business of "Poteau Flying Service" from which he retired in 1988. After that he went to work for Fenton Motors & Broadway Motors for 12 years. In January 2000 he had a stroke and survived that until his passing. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John D. Abbott & sister, Margaret Alice Box. Survivors include his wife, Lois "Jean" Abbott of the home; Son, Curtis Lester Abbott of Poteau, OK; 5 grandchildren, Shailyn Marie Abbott, Curtis Wayne Abbott both of Ft. Smith, AR; Kristen Lois Renn & husband Zachary of Utah, Jonathan David Abbott of Ft. Smith, AR, Skylar Thomas Abbott of the home; sister, Inez Hileman of Omaha, NE; brother, Franklin Abbott of Everett, WA; special niece, Tammy & Larry Pike of Omaha, NE; numerous nieces, nephews, In-Laws, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau,OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.,