Dale Leon “Lee” “Abby” Abernathy passed away on April 9, 2021, at age 89, at home surrounded by family in Covington, IN.

Lee is survived by his children: Brenda (Bruce) Starkey of Terre Haute, IN, Sue Tuggle (Richard Pruitt) of Covington, IN, Elizabeth (Donald) Anderson of Naples, FL, Kevin (Jill) Abernathy of Covington, IN, Eric (Janelle) Abernathy of Covington, IN and Kris Cates of Covington, IN. Lee is also survived by a sister, Marlas Morgan, of Canton, GA, 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith “Judy” Anne Abernathy (nee Ocheltree), three brothers, Orville Abernathy, Lloyd Abernathy and Glay Abernathy, three sisters, Reva Gregory, Leah Maddox and Leafa Mitchell and a son, Larry (Nancy) Abernathy.

Lee was born on August 7, 1931, the seventh child of Homer and Elizabeth Abernathy in Stringtown, Indiana. Lee enjoyed his early life with his brothers and sisters, until marrying his wife, Judy, on May 21, 1949.

Lee and Judy lived on a farm outside of Kingman, IN with their children before later moving to a farm outside of Covington, IN. Lee loved working on the farm and spent much time doing so. In addition to farming, Lee also worked at the Veedersburg Brickyard and later at Olin’s and Flexel in Covington, IN, before retiring. Lee enjoyed fishing, mushrooming and spending time with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at 11:00am (EST), Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Covington, Indiana 420 3rd St. Covington, Indiana 47932 with Pastor James Blue officiating.  Visitation will be 4:00pm - 7:00pm(EST), Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, Covington.  It is kindly requested that face masks be worn, and social distancing is practiced by those in attendance of the visitation and or service. 

Memorial donations may be given in his name to donor’s choice of charity.  Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.