Richard Lee Abernathy

Passed away August 30, 2012. Richard was born at home on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in Bloomingdale, MI on November 21, 1936, the youngest of 3 born to James R. and Cathryn A. (Weiner) Abernathy. On June 29, 1956, in Kalamazoo, MI, he was united in marriage to his wife, friend and soul mate, Janice J. Gerth. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and 2 sons, Douglas Alan in 1962 and Michael James in 1994. Surviving besides his wife are 2 sons, Randall Lee of Kalamazoo, MI and Mark (Marilyn) of Plainwell, MI; grandson, Randall (Terri) Abernathy II of TX; 4 granddaughters: Rachelle (Leonard) Smith and Amy Abernathy, both of Kalamazoo, Shannon (Robert) Baker of East Leroy, MI and Jessica Abernathy of Lawrence, MI. Also surviving are 7 great grandsons: Azariah, Terrence and Trenton Smith, Kyjuan Beville, all of Kalamazoo, Bailee Page and Derek Wadlington of Lawrence, MI and Caleb Abernathy of San Antonio, TX and 5 great granddaughters: Natavia Beville of Kalamazoo, Hailee Page, Katrina and Katlina Wadlington, all of Lawrence, MI and Quinn Baker of East Leroy, MI. Also surviving is a sister, Marjorie Horton of Allegan, MI and brother, Robert (Thelma) Abernathy of Portage, MI; brothers-in-law, George (Jane) Gerth, and Larry Allgiaer, both of Portage, MI and Kevin (Malia) Allgaier of Vicksburg, plus several nieces and nephews. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for 35 years before retiring in 1998. Richard worked for 25 years at Globe construction and would eventually retire from Bill Smith Sand & Gravel after 11 years of service. Rich & Jan enjoyed wintering in Sebring, FL since 2006. He has been a member of Operating Engineers Union Local 324 since 1967. He was a long time member of Fraternal Order of Eagles 3531 Portage-Schoolcraft. Richard enjoyed welding and making things out in his barn until moving into town. After moving into town he enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. He also bowled with his wife on senior leagues after their retirement here and in Florida; he also enjoyed planting large gardens in his younger years. Even after moving into town he still found a place that he could plant a couple tomato and pepper plants. He enjoyed having his grandkids and great grandkids visit. The family will meet friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the BLOOMINGDALE CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com, where the funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 AM, Nathan Brown officiating. The family suggests memorials to Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice.