Abernathey, Freeman Jake

Freeman Jake Abernathey, 71, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton following an extended illness.

Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St in Vinton from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, prior to processing to a public graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Shellsburg with Chaplain Dwayne Potter officiating.

A memorial fund has been established.

Freeman was born June 18, 1942, at Whittier, Calif., to David H. and Onalee (Lane) Abernathey.

He married Mavis Stafford on Sept. 4, 1991, at Lincoln, Neb., and they were later divorced.

Freeman served as custodian at a college in Lincoln, Neb., and also at Tilford Middle School. He loved to fish and watch TV.

He is survived by his son, David Abernathey of Owatonna, Minn.; his daughter, Beverly; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Melinda, and Faith of Owatonna, Minn.; his sisters, Shirley (Ken) Shaw of Blairstown, Arlene Jura of Bates City, Mo., and Laura Kirchner of Garrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Janet McGrew.

Condolences may be left at .

Published Sept. 20, 2013, in The Gazette