Name: Visitation for Thomas D. Abernathy
Start: 2018-11-09T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-11-10T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Grace Memorial - Smith Chapel - Port Huron

Thomas D. Abernathy

Port Huron - Thomas David Abernathy, age 73, of Port Huron left us too soon on October 5, 2018 at Harper Hospital in Detroit. He was born May 22, 1945 in East St. Louis, Illinois to David R. and Lorene D. Abernathy.

He was a graduate of Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and was an Eagle Scout. He attended college at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where he graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Education. Tom served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in Vietnam. He worked for Port Huron Area Schools for over 30 years in numerous roles, including Intake Coordinator at Jefferson Adult Learning Center and Assistant Principal at Fort Gratiot Middle School.

He generously volunteered for many seasons for the YMCA Blue Water Otters Swim Team. Tom was a lifelong fan of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and University of Illinois sports. (Go Illini!) He was an avid reader and loved reading to his granddaughters. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and walking along the river with his Sweetie Pie.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marilyn, 2 daughters, Jennifer Abernathy and Rachel (Kurt) Windeler, and 2 granddaughters, Erica and Allison Windeler.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be November 9th from 6-8 PM and November 10th at 10 AM before the service at the Smith Family Funeral Home - North. The memorial service will take place at 11 AM November 10th with The Rev. Max Amstutz officiating. Internment will immediately follow the service at the Allied Veterans Cemetery Columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tennessee Respite Coalition or the charity of the donor's choice.

www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Herald from Oct. 14 to Nov. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Abernathy

Sponsored by Grace Memorial - Smith Chapel - Port Huron.

13 Entries

John Heiligenstein

June 22, 2019

To Tom's Family,

I read Tom's obituary in the Illinois Alumni News and remember him from my days at the U of I. I believe we were in the same residence hall. I remember Tom and as pleasant and kind fellow student. May he rest in peace.

John

Laura Mordis-Jackson

November 11, 2018

I am saddened to hear this. My mother, Sophie Mordis (who passed away in August) always had fond memories of your family. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

November 8, 2018

Marilyn,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a sweet, kind, gentle, compassionate man Tom was. He always lit up a room with his smile and his humor/laughter. Tom touched many lives, including mine, always making the world a peaceful, better place. My wife and I can't tell you how sorry we are for your loss. I would have loved to see you, but unfortunately, we are going to be out of town. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless, and take care Marilyn.
Love,
Tom and Chris Telfer

Michelle Chicone/Baur

November 5, 2018

I am so very sorry.... I was the Otter's assts. swim coach for the YMCA and I remember fondly the support received from M/M Abernathy... My deepest condolences.

Jim Ferrier

November 4, 2018

Mr.Abernathy was the intake admin at Jefferson Adult Education Center when I enrolled in mid 1990 I enrolled to finish my G E D to join the Army I had no idea of his service in Veitnam but after reading this memorial I now understand why I felt like he was so interested in my getting things finished I can not express how much it meant to know I could talk with him and get the push I needed at the time My prayers go out to his family may God bless you all and Thanks Tom for just being there

Beth Drane

November 4, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Jefferson Adult Education. To this day, he remains the BEST boss I ever worked with. He will be greatly missed by many. Thoughts & prayers are with you.

Ree Bsumgarth

November 1, 2018

I was in classes with Tom for seven years. He was the class President of Beaumont June 1963. Have many fond memories. Prayers for your family.

Clint

October 31, 2018

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Rad and Carol Wallen

October 15, 2018

We are sorry to hear this. Our kids grew up together and he was such a nice man.

Denny Dwyer

October 14, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. A wonderful human being, a great colleague, and someone who was a joy to spend time with. Never an unkind word for anyone or anything! RIP, my friend!

Joyce Bailey

October 14, 2018

With fond memories, I will miss
a wonderful friend.

Carol Redden

October 7, 2018

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. May the love of family and friends carry you through this trying time. Sending you hugs and prayers.

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