Dr. John William Abbe, age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14th, 2025 at Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, CA. A lifelong resident of Southern California, John was born November 3rd, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA, and was adopted by Francis and Margaret Abbe as an infant. He graduated from Mira Costa High School, attended El Camino College and Los Angeles Trade Tech, received his BA from Baptist Christian University, his Masters Degree from Liberty University, and his Ph D in Ministry from Baptist College of America.

John received Christ as his Savior when he was 8 years old, and at 16, rededicated his life to the Lord’s service while attending a Billy Graham Crusade. He was ordained as a minister in 1996, while serving as Assistant Pastor at Faith Baptist Church of Riverside, CA.

John served in the US Navy from 1965-1970, proudly serving his country in Vietnam aboard the USS Edson and USS Hull. He received both an outstanding service award and a Vietnam combat action award. John worked a variety of jobs – he was a Bindery Machine Operator with the Department of Defense, an Offset Press Operator with Navy Publications and Printing, a Community Service Officer with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, and was a teacher at Pacific Baptist College in La Verne, CA. His favorite job by far was teaching; he taught English, World History, the Bible, and Shakespeare, amongst other subjects, and was known for his kind and jovial demeanor. He loved to teach and loved to learn, and he continued taking various college courses to further his education throughout his life.

John married the love of his life, best friend and soulmate, Wha, on February 22, 1985, in Long Beach, CA. They met as choir members at First Baptist Church of Long Beach, and for John, it was absolutely love at first sight. The forever lovebirds were one week shy of being married for 40 years when John passed. They were blessed with two daughters, Mary and Michelle, and raised them in a home filled with love and many happy memories.

John was a man who walked with God and loved his church. He spent his life joyfully sharing Jesus with everyone he met. He loved to do his “soul winner’s strut” on a Thursday night, and was active preaching in the Jail Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry, and the Rescue Mission. John served his churches as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Assistant Pastor. There was never a morning that we didn’t see him reading his Bible. He loved his God, he loved going to and being involved in church, and he loved to tell others of his Savior.

John loved baseball, ice cream, and trains. Due to space, we are going to leave that sentence as is, but if you knew John, you know we would have to write a novel to capture his love (one could say obsession) for these three things. He will be remembered for his corny jokes and Elvis impressions, as John was one to bring joy wherever he went.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Margaret Abbe, brother Charles Abbe, brothers in Christ Pastor David Green and Don Bull, and many other beloved friends. We know they are having such a joyful reunion! John is survived by his loving wife Wha, his daughters Michelle Abbe and Mary (Abbe) Edwards, his son-in-law Jamie Edwards, and grandson Jude Edwards. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends whom he considered family. John was a kind and genuine man, the heartbeat of our family. He was dearly loved and will be missed greatly. Our family is grateful for all of the love, prayers and support through this most difficult time.

We thank God for Heaven, and look forward to that beautiful day when we will be together again.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 KJV