Abernathy, Thomas “Tom”, age 76, Baptized into the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection on Tues. May 27, 2025.
Devoted High school sweetheart, best friend and husband of Diane Abernathy (nee Medic) for over 53 years; beloved dad of Michelle (Mike) Dooley and Susan (Mike) Gilyon; dearest grandpa of Jack, Jacob, Aiden, and Sam; dear brother of Jerry, Joe, and Denny Abernathy; dear cousin, uncle, friend, and men’s prayer group member.
Tom was born in St. Louis to Tom and Betty Abernathy. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He was a proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he played varsity soccer and was a member of the 1970 All-American College Soccer Team. Go Navy! He served on active duty with the Navy for 5 years, with 2 years homeported in Athens, Greece. He retired from Anheuser-Busch where he worked as an engineer for over 27 years. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with his brothers and friends. He encouraged his grandsons to love the game as well. He is still working on that hole in one!
Tom enjoyed traveling with Diane and visiting all 50 states, many ski resorts and many countries. He cherished the memories they made on family vacations with their children and grandsons. He was Diane’s dedicated assistant in her gardening projects. He loved sitting on the patio on a beautiful evening with a glass a wine. A life well lived! Tom was a man of faith and integrity. He lived a good life, and he loved us well. We will miss him greatly. If you wish, you may make a donation in Tom’s memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Mary Mother of the Church Chapter, 5901 Kerth Rd. St. Louis, MO 63128.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Road Monday, June 9, 9:30am to Mary, Mother of the Church 5901 Kerth Road St. Louis, MO 63128 10am Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 4-7pm.
My condolences to his family and very sorry for their loss and RIP 🙏
Tom is a St. Mary’s High School Alumnus – Class of 1967. On behalf of his classmates, I extend our most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss. Special mention and offerings of condolences to Tom’s classmates and to those students, who at one time or another, were either upper classmates or under classmates of his, and who may have known him personally or “of him” as someone they passed in the hallways, shared a table with at lunchtime or maybe even participated in some of the same extra-curricular activities that Tom did from the time he enrolled as a Freshman in September of 1963 until the time he graduated as a Senior in June of 1967.
Although Tom is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be on the Campus of St. Mary’s and where, on his very first day of class in September of 1963 was bestowed the eternal honor of becoming a “Son of Mary.” And just as it has been since ever since then, daily prayers will continue to be said, and daily masses will continue to be offered for him by the Brothers of Mary.
Finally, whenever the Dragons of ’67 gather and talk turns to the days of ole lang syne, as they always do, Tom, your family member, our classmate & friend will always be remembered.
Danny Slay
Class of ‘67
Former Executive Member – Board of Directors
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School Alumni Association