Dallas Michael ABBOTT

Dallas Michael Abbott, a veteran of Vietnam and longtime resident of Loma, Colorado passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2024. Dallas, was born March 12, 1947 to Don and Alice Abbott and attended Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri before enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a private, first class for the Army. Dallas served in Vietnam and South America from 1966 to 1972, and he had many amazing stories of his time there. 

The U.S. Army recognized Dallas for his honorable service with 5 Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, The Presidential Unit Citation, The Army Commendation Medal, The Air Medal and many others.  Dallas didn't speak much about how he earned these distinguished honors or about his time in the Army, but he was fiercely proud of his service and his brothers-in-arms.

After the war, Dallas returned home and found a love for nature, hiking, traveling, gold mining and geology. He spent many years seeking out abandoned mines and ghost towns, and was always on the hunt for the “buried treasure”. Dallas enjoyed work throughout his life as a carpenter and as a campground manager in many state and national parks, including the Grand Canyon, where he once had to be airlifted out by helicopter after suffering a fall while hiking. Dallas was awarded 100% disability status with Veterans Affairs in connection to his years of military service in 1990 and retired to further pursue his passions in woodworking and mining. 

Dallas married three times, but he and his ex-wife, Denise P. Abbott were lifelong friends, even living as roommates several times throughout the years with their daughter, Michelle Hopper (Abbott). 

Dallas will be remembered by his family and friends as a truly kind soul, a loyal and honest friend, and a fun-loving eccentric that loved to laugh. 

 Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Peggy, his ex-wife, Denise, and many life-long friends. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Luke) Hopper, stepson, Benjamin Chavez, Niece, Debi (Dennis) Eskie, and several cousins. Dallas wished to be cremated and have his ashes interred alongside his parents and sister at St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery. Graveside services with military honors will be planned at a later date. 

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Park.