Charlie R. Abbey - Family Histories - Coleman County, Texas

      Charlie Abbey is the son of Garland and Zula Abbey. He attended school in Coleman. A graduate of Texas A & M University, he was commissioned in 1956 and served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky (see Garland Abbey). Charlie married Jeane Traylor in 1954, the daughter of M. T. and Ruth Traylor (see M. I. Traylor). Upon completing military service, Charlie and Jeane came back to Coleman County to begin a farming enterprise. Two daughters were born: Ann, who now lives in Houston and is associated with Texas Commerce Bancshares, and Linda, who married Jackie L. Ferguson of Brownwood, they have four children: Shae, Chad. Chris and Steven.

     In the mid-sixties, Charlie determined that the cattle business had more future than farming. He converted the entire operation to livestock, this was an easy decision for Charlie; he had purchased his first cow at nine years of age. Charlie is now the managing partner of Abbey Polled Herefords, and is currently serving as a director of the Texas Polled Hereford Association.

     After the children were born, Jeane served as financial secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Coleman tor almost three years. When offered a job in the bookkeeping department of the Coleman County State Bank, she accepted with reluctance, assuming that she wold not really like banking. Jeane was soon fascinated with the many facets of banking. Currently, she is serving as Vice-President and Cashier of Coleman Bank with responsibilities as both loan officer and operations officer.

     They have both been active over community and church affairs. Charlie served many years on the Board of Trustees of the Coleman Independent School District and was its president for two terms. In addition, he has served a number of years on the Board ot Stewards of First United Methodist Church, a position he still holds. He has served several terms as president of the the Coleman County Polled Hereford Association and the board of directors of the West Texas Polled Hereford Association. He recently completed a term as president of that group and is serving on the livestock committee of the West Texas Fair Association. Jeane is a past president of the Circle C Cowbelles, and the Texas Poll-Ettes; serves on the livesrock committee of the West Texas Fair Association, the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee of the First United Methodist Church and as the Texas director on the board of directors of the National Organization of Poll-Ettes. Jeane is also current president of the Texas Chapter of the Bank Administration Institute of America.