Stephen G. Abernathy

CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Stephen G. Abernathy, age 65, of Centerville, became absent from his body on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, and is now at home with the Lord. Born July 29, 1949, in Rushville, Indiana, to Gail and Dorothy Clifton Abernathy, Steve was a graduate of Ball State University. After graduating from Ball State in 1971, Steve taught psychology at Munster High School in Munster, IN. He became a car salesman for Webb Ford in the summer of 1973, then Smith Chevy - both in Hammond, IN. In the fall of 1975, Steve became a salesman for Dearings Tractors and Equipment in Greens Fork, IN. In the summer of 1980, he attended Johnson Bible College, graduating magna cum laude. Steve began his ministry for the Lord in May, 1982 as pastor of the Palestine Church of Christ in Palestine, OH. He joined Centerville Christian Church as the associate pastor in 1986 and became senior pastor in 1989. In 2012, he returned to the role of associate pastor. Steve also was a long-time chaplain to the Centerville and Richmond Police Departments, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, and the Indiana State Police. In 2013, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Gov. Mike Pence, who referred to Steve as "a man of devout faith and generous spirit." The town council of Centerville declared July 14, 2013, to be Pastor Steve Abernathy Day in recognition of his years of service to the community. Steve had a heart for God's people that was evident to all who met him. He enjoyed spending time with friends and leading special projects that reached out to help others. Steve loved his Lord, his family, his friends, his congregation, his community, and his country. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Barbara Williamson Abernathy to whom he was married on August 2, 1975; son, David (Emilee) Abernathy of Centerville; grandchildren, Kaytlyn Abernathy of Cambridge City and Bennett Abernathy of Centerville; aunt, Francis Clifton; nephew, Matthew (Tric) Kirkpatrick; niece, Jennifer Trobe; cousins; mother-in-law, Josephine Williamson of Schererville, Indiana; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Terri (Ed) Martin, Jimmy (Jan) Williamson, Linda (Marty) Sidor, Diane (Mark) Allen, and Jamie (Kellie) Williamson; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stephen "Scott" Abernathy; father-in-law, James Williamson; and sister, Susan Kirkpatrick. Visitation for Stephen G. Abernathy will be from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the Centerville Christian Church, 111 North Morton Street, Centerville. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015, at the Centerville Christian Church with Pastor Wes Sewell officiating. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery in Rushville, Indiana. Arrangements are being handled by Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. Memorial contributions may be made to: Centerville Christian Church, 111 North Morton Street, Centerville, Indiana 47330. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Stephen G. Abernathy

July 29, 1949 - April 7, 2015