Frederick Abernathy

Frederick Dayne Abernathy, 81, of Brighton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026. He was born February 25, 1944 in Alton, Illinois, to Frederick Linus and Laverne (Farmer) Abernathy. Frederick married his cherished wife, Nancy Jo Nischwitz, on December 23, 1967 in East Alton, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on April 11, 2022.

Frederick graduated from Alton High School in 1963, and went on to attend Lewis and Clark Community College. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Frederick was a skilled electrician and crane inspector, dedicating his career to Laclede Steel in Alton, Illinois. He was an active member of the Steelworkers Union, The Eagles, and held the position of president at the Tri-County Gun Club.

Frederick is survived by his two sons, Erick (Melissa) Abernathy of Jerseyville, Illinois, and Dirk (fiancée, Jenifer Barnes) of Brighton, Illinois; 6 grandchildren, Amber (Courtney) Weatherford, Derick Abernathy, Erick Abernathy Jr., Kelsey (Dakota) Smith, Nathaniel Barnes and Jordan (Michelle) Barnes; 3 great-grandchildren, Isaac Chinchilla, Jameson Smith, and Evelyn May Barmes.

He was preceded by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Lynn David Abernathy.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Illinois.  Following the service, burial will take place at Valhalla Memorial Cemetery in Godfrey, Illinois, with military honors.  Friends and family are welcome to visit on Friday, February 27th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  at Anderson Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alton Memorial Hospital.

Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick, please visit our floral store.

Obit Provided By:
Anderson Family Funeral Home