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Ben Abernathy
A long-time resident of Fontana and a 27 year veteran of Fontana Police Department, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2014. He was 82 years of age.
A native of Olathe, Colorado, Ben was born on May 7, 1931, to parents Clayton and Georgia Abernathy. His family moved to Fontana in 1949. Ben proudly served our country in the United States Navy. He was always civic-minded, and joined the Fontana Police Department in 1961. He was an outstanding officer, and rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1981. Ben was loved and respected among his colleagues, and led by example. He made Fontana a safe place. He held the position of Chief until 1988 when he retired, and was able to enjoy spending time with his beloved wife Ra Vae, and his loving family. His hobbies included wood carving, and working with stained glass. He treasured the time he was able to spend with his family, and loved spending time with the four-legged family member, Buffy (also known as Killer).Ben was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was always a good neighbor, and a great friend.
Preceded in death by his wife Ra Vae in 2007, and his son Bryan in 2013, Ben leaves behind his daughters Rae Lynn Moody, and Brenda Abernathy; two granddaughters, Aimee Shipman and Katie Moody, as well as four grandsons; Jereme , Brad, Brent, and Taylor Abernathy. Other survivors include many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and former officers. He will always be remembered as a leader among his peers, and a loving family man. Ben set the bar high, and always encouraged everyone to be the best they could be. He always considered the Fontana Police Department his other family, and many of his officers looked at him as a father. They were all his brothers.
Visitation for Ben will be at Ingold Chapel, 8277 Juniper Ave., Fontana, on Thursday, April 3, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
Funeral service will be the following morning at 11:00 am at the Fontana Steelworkers' Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Ave., Fontana. Fontana Police Department will be escorting their former Chief to his final resting place, Montecito Memorial Park, Loma Linda, where he will be recognized with full police honors. Ingold Funeral Chapel in Fontana is entrusted with care and arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Roger Ledig
April 30, 2014
To the Abernathy family, you all are in our thoughts & prayers. It was an honor to take care of your father & grandfather... he truly was a Fontana icon. God Bless- Ryan Stotz & the Ingold Funeral Home family.
April 12, 2014
Rest in Peace Dad. You are forever in my heart.
Brenda Abernathy
April 6, 2014
I am deeply sorry for the loss. May it comfort you to know that Ben will return to the days of his youth as promised at Job 33:25.
Nate Salazar
April 5, 2014
May the "God of all comfort" give your family what you need to help you through this difficult time.
C. Strickland..... Atlanta, Ga
April 4, 2014
Such a loss to the community. May the God of peace bring you comfort at this difficult time in you lives. 1 Cor. 14:33 SGM
April 4, 2014
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