To: All Staff Members
From: J. W. Maucker, President
Date: December 9, 1968
Word has been received that Dr. Roy L. Abbott, Emeritus Professor of Biology, passed away on December 8, 1968, following a heart attack. He had made his home in Bradenton, Florida, for the past several years.
Dr. Abbott was born in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1886, received the B. A. degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1915, and the M. S. and Ph. D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin, the latter in 1925. Prior to joining the staff at the University of Northern Iowa in the summer of 1916, he taught in the rural schools of Iowa and at Fairfield. He was advanced to the rank of professor in 1920, assumed emeritus status in 1954, and continued to serve in that status until 1964. Dr. Abbott's weekly university radio program, Everyday Science, was popular with listeners for twenty-two years, 1942-1964. He also wrote many articles in the popular vein for publication in newspapers and journals.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 1968, at the Toole Funeral Home in Bradenton, Florida. Burial will also be in Bradenton. The flag will be flown at half-mast Wednesday morning, and the Campanile bells will be played during the time of the funeral service in memory of Dr. Abbott.
Those who wish to contribute to a memorial for Dr. Abbott may do so through the University of Northern Iowa Foundation.