For more than 25 years Bob Abernathy shared his love for of aviation with adults and children who visited the National Model Aviation Museum. Bob served as a tour guide for the museum, and loved to share his knowledge about the artifacts in the museum with whoever walked through the door. Sadly, Bob passed away Friday morning, September 9, 2016, at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by everyone at the AMA, museum visitors, and the model flying community.
More about Bob: (www.gantfuneralhomes.com/notices/Robert-Abernathy)
Bob was born October 15, 1933 in Redkey, Indiana to the late Jacob and Kathryn (Baughn) Abernathy. Bob graduated from Redkey High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Bob married Sheila J. (Woodings) Abernathy in May of 1955 and was blessed with three children. Bob worked as a journeyman and machine repairman at Warner Gear for 39 years. Bob also worked part-time for AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) for over 20 years. Bob was an amateur radio operator and enjoyed cars and model aircrafts.
Bob is survived by two children, Michael Abernathy of Muncie and Christine Clevenger (husband Mike) of Yorktown; a sister, Phyllis Brenner; four grandchildren, Matthew Abernathy (wife Tiffany), Nicole Good (husband Chuck), Julianne Combs (husband Ryan), and Sarah Price (husband Brandon); five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Sheila Abernathy; a son, David Abernathy; and a brother, John Abernathy.
A funeral service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 16, 2016 at Gant Funeral Homes, Yorktown Chapel at 2215 S. Broadway St. in Yorktown. Pastor Lamar Imes will officiate. Burial will follow in Hawk Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.
Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Friday, at Gant Funeral Homes, Yorktown Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Little Red Door, 2311 W. Jackson St., Muncie, IN 47303 or the AMA Education Fund, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302.
I’ve know Bob since 1997 and have learned a great deal about the museum artifacts and modeling from him. Bob was more of a Grandpa to me than a friend. He will be sadly missed. ~Wendy