Richard A. Abernathy, Sr.
December 17, 1945 - December 20, 2007
Richard Allen Abernathy, Sr. passed from life to life eternal in the early morning hours of December 20, 2007 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was 62 years old.
Richard was born, at home, on December 17, 1945 to Jake and Alice (Egan) Abernathy. He grew up in Chicago, graduating from Waller (now Lincoln Park) High School. On November 7, 1964 he married Cecilia Russell. To their marriage were born two children, Richard, Jr. and Joseph. Richard, Sr. and Cecilia were later divorced.
For thirty years Richard was employed as a purchasing agent for World Book, Inc. Following his years at World Book, Richard worked in the insurance industry, first for Signature Group/GE Capital and then for the last several years at Combined Insurance Company of America.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Joseph, and by his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his sons Rev. Richard (Sandy) Abernathy of Leon, Wisconsin and Joseph Abernathy of Chicago, Illinois; by his brother Ronald (Diana) Abernathy of South Holland, Illinois; his sister-in-law Marcella Abernathy of Chicago, Illinois; and by cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at the Addison Street Community Church, 2132 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois with Rev. Richard Abernathy officiating. Burial will be in the Leon, Wisconsin cemetery at a later date.