John William “Abe” Abrams, 80, of Dix, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020, at his home. He was born July 26, 1940, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Calvin William and Rose Frances (Novy) Abrams.  On March 4, 1962, in Belleville, he married Jane Merrell, and she survives him in Dix.

He graduated from Rock Jr. High School, and East Side Senior High School,  and was a Veteran of the United States Navy.  He enjoyed collecting model toys, reading, running his backhoe, and taking care of his farm.  Until his retirement, he worked as a railroader.

In addition to his wife, Jane Abrams, he is survived by one son, Keith Abrams and wife Kim of Nashville, Tennessee;  one daughter, Natalie Backstrom and husband John of Mt. Vernon;  eleven grandchildren, Cameron Richardson of Miami, Florida, Emily Opalecky of Carterville, Illinois,  Ericka Henry and husband Blake of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Rachel Driver and husband Dustin of Spring, Texas, Kyle Abrams and wife Ayla of Mountain Home, Idaho, John W. Backstrom III of Valdosta, Georgia, Jacquelyn Backstrom of Holiday, Florida, Trittney Stinson and husband Jeremy of Nashville, Tennessee, David Lynch of Jacksonville, Florida, Zoe Lynch of Nashville, Tennessee, and Zane Lynch of Nashville, Tennessee;  nine great grandchildren, Mireya Driver, Daphne Driver, Santi Richardson, Lennon Nelson, Esmé Abrams, Reyna Lynch, Journey Stinson, and Cecelia Hannah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Rose Abrams.

Private Family Services for Mr. Abrams will be held, and burial will follow at Panther Fork Cemetery.  Memorial gifts may be made to Jane Abrams, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.