Kenneth “Ken” J. Abernathy, 87, of New Madison, Ohio passed away late Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the State of the Heart Care Center in Greenville, Ohio.He was born on October 11, 1932, in Greenville, to the late Kenneth, Sr. and Marjorie (West) Abernathy.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his daughters, Susan Ausbrook, and Deborah Howard; his son-in-law, Donald Howard; his granddaughter, Nicole Abernathy; and his brothers, Bethel and Ronald Abernathy.
Ken loved spending time outdoors and enjoying mother nature. He loved to go fishing, camping, and seeing new things all over the country. He and his wife, Janet, enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida. Ken liked to go square dancing with Janet and sharing his love for it with his family. Ken also liked to tend to his garden and maintain his yard.
Ken served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He looked forward to the annual Air Force Reunions each year. Ken spent many years working for Natco in Richmond, Indiana, until he retired in the mid-1980s. However, he truly did not “retire”. Ken was an entrepreneur and started two different companies. Ken was a member of the New Madison American Legion, Post 245 and the Greenville Elks, Lodge 1139.
Ken is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet (Cross) Abernathy, whom he married on June 6, 1953; his children, Steve (Sherri) Abernathy of Meso, Arizona, Larry Abernathy of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado and of New Madison, Scott (Charlene) Abernathy of Covington, Ohio, and Lisa (Charlie Wolter) Kramer of Greenville; his grandchildren, Nathan Ausbrooks, Jessica Abernathy, Rachel (Michael) Smith, Mandy (Dan) Hileman, Jamie Abernathy, Chelsea (Cody) Dickensheets, Briana (Mitch) Parin, Deceena (Randy) Gains, Keesha Abernathy, Jessica Abernathy, Jason Ignaffo, and Becky (Ryan) Borowske; his 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; his siblings, Melvin (Carolyn) Abernathy of Dayton, Shirley Moore of Dayton, and Evelyn “Susie” (Larry) Landis of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ken’s life, with Full Military Honors provided by Greenville Honor Guard, will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus with Pastor George Glaze officiating.
Guests may visit with Ken’s family on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the time of service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be given to the State of the Heart Care, 1350 North Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.