Born June 14, 1936 in Peoria, he was a son of Franklin Gerald and Helen Josephine (Pate) Abernathy.
Surviving are one son, Terry (Shawn Muth) Abernathy of Pekin; one daughter, Teresa (Dave) Hagen of Manito; ten grandchildren, Brandon Abernathy, Colin Abernathy, Devan Abernathy, David Seidell, Alex Seidell, Matt (Rae) Hagen, Ben Hagen, Derek Muth, Keli (Willem) Pennington and Kyle Totton; six great-grandchildren, Garett Abernathy, Rylan Abernathy, Tayden Abernathy, Amy Seidell, Damian Seidell and Annie Hagen; four sisters, Rita (Frank) Dunlap of Princeton, Geraldine Thornhill of Rolla, Missouri, Darlene Marvel of Metamora and Sharon (Joe) Huebi of Edwards; and two brothers, Ron (Mary) Abernathy of Florida and Rick (Lynne) Abernathy of Forsythe. He also leaves a special friend, Carol Jury and family, Donna and Frank Totton.
His parents and one sister, Norma Wyss, preceded him in death.
He worked for Sequoia Supply (formerly Evans Products) for more than 30 years in sales, followed by a brief 10 year period at Alcoa Building Products in Princeville.
Bob was a member and a past governor of Pekin Moose Family Center #916. He also was a member of Pekin Elks Lodge 1271.
He was an avid and faithful sports fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears and Bradley Basketball. Bob also enjoyed coaching Little League during his son Terry’s years in the program.
Family was especially important to him and the annual tradition of the Abernathy Family Christmas was his favorite. Those who knew him and became a part of his extended family knew and understood this too. His pride in his family never wavered.
A gathering celebrating Bob's life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Pekin Moose Family Center #916. His memorial service will be held at 3 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to UnityPoint Hospice and the Senior Services of Mason County.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637 or to the National Kidney Foundation.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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