Phil Abernathy

Phil Abernathy, age 70, passed away in his home surrounded by his family Monday, November 26, 2018. He was born June 17, 1948 in Joplin to Marion and Thelma (Rice) Abernathy. He was united in marriage to Kathy Dent April 12, 1975. Phil worked most of his adult life for food brokerage companies. He was known for his excellence in sales and was continually offered better opportunities in his craft. Phil retired at age 62 from the brokerage business and worked part time for Nixa Hardware and Allied Bus Company for a few years after he retired. Phil was very outgoing, witty and funny. He never knew a stranger and everyone he was around loved and respected him. His family, friends and neighbors depended on him because he was always helping. Phil mowed the neighbors' yards, repaired mowers and weed trimmers. He was always helping friends and family as well as strangers. Phil loved to make people laugh. He would sing songs and make up his own words. He was an avid horseman. He raised and showed quarter horses. He was an amazing husband, dad and papa to his grandchildren. He never missed any of his grandchildren's activities. Phil left a wonderful indelible mark during his life and leaves everyone he knew with smiles on their faces and wonderful memories. Phil is survived by his wife Kathy; his children Doug Stockam, his wife Jeanne of Springfield, Mindy Nielsen, her husband John of Nixa, and Ryan Abernathy of Nixa; grandchildren Justin Stockam, his wife Isabella of Springfield, Lauren Stockam of Springfield, Kylie Hoelcher of Springfield, Gabby Nielsen of Nixa, and Cameron Abernathy of Nixa; a brother Larry Abernathy, his wife Deb of Panama City Beach, FL; mother-in-law Doris Dent, other in-laws, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Phil is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Danny Abernathy. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 1, 2018 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa with Reverend Scott Watson officiating.