Richard Abernathy

Richard W. Abernathy, 87, of Rushville, passed away at 5:18 AM, Friday, June 2, 2017, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born on June 10, 1929, in Prairie City, Illinois, the son of Theodore and Ona (Miller) Abernathy.  He married Pauline Tracey on July 23, 1952, in Bushnell and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons Rick Abernathy and wife Kathy of Littleton and Donald Abernathy and wife Penny of Marquette Heights, one daughter Paula of Iowa, six grandchildren including Chris Abernathy, Shawn Abernathy, and Katherine Lincoln, four step grandchildren Anna Henson, Jessica Hoefker, Diana Dennis, and Julia Walston, two great grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren, one brother Wayne Abernathy of Galva, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by one grandson Clinton Keime, five brothers and 2 sisters.

Richard attended schools in Prairie City and Bushnell.  He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He first worked for the State of Illinois Highway Department, before his military service.  After his discharge he worked at Bartlow Brothers in Rushville for 21 years.  He then worked at Bohn Aluminum in Beardstown, until it closed.

He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in Beardstown.  He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Graveside Services will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 5, 2017, at the Littleton Cemetery, in Littleton, with Troy Wade officiating.  Interment will follow.  There will be no visitation.  Memorials are suggested to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in Beardstown.  The Wood Funeral Home in Rushville has been entrusted with the arrangements.