Clarence N. Abbas (also known as "Tanky", "Bud" or "Nick"), 90, of Kanawha
passed away Monday, November 6, 2006 at his home in Kanawha.
Clarence, one of nine children born to Daniel Abbas and Nancy Christians, was
born Sunday, June 4, 1916 on the family farm one mile south and one half mile
east of Kanawha. He attended the country school three miles south of Kanawha
through eighth grade. Four years later he graduated from Kanawha High School at
the age of 16.
In 1936, Clarence was united in marriage with Vera Maddick. The couple had one
son Larry born three years later.
Clarence and Vera farmed in Wright County until 1970 when they moved to
Kanawha. He was a Pioneer Seed dealer for 42 years and was also a dealer for
Hy-Line chickens. Clarence thoroughly loved his jobs.
For many years, the couple spent every winter at Pine-to-Palm Park in Weslaco,
Texas. He enjoyed traveling, antiquing and collecting old toys.
Clarence enjoyed fishing and sports; at one time he had a young men's kitten
ball team and bowling team. He also enjoyed good music, especially polka music,
and doing nice things for people in need. He claimed he had about 150 of the
best friends anyone could wish for.
Clarence was baptized at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and later joined
the United Methodist Church in Kanawha. His joy was reading the Bible daily and
in the past he enjoyed teaching the young folks society.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 70 years Vera; son Larry and his wife,
Kathleen of Kanawha; three grandchildren: Kurt Abbas and his wife, Kara and
their two children, Kristen Keller and her husband, David and their two
children, and Nicholas Abbas and his daughter; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Nancy Abbas; four brothers:
Fred, Anno, Chris, and George; four sisters: Grace Veldhouse, Tena Peters, Bena
Trenary and Faye Swyter.