Thomas James Abernathy was born Sunday, May 29, 1938 in Columbus, Ohio .
he died Friday, March 13, 2020. his recorded age was 81.
Thomas James Abernathy was born on May 29, 1938 and passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 13, 2020. His formative years were spent on the grounds of the Ohio School for the Deaf. The son of the superintendent, he played amongst deaf school children and learned to sign which became a second language. He attended the University School on OSU campus where he made lifelong friends. Unknowingly, his future wife Sondra, who also attended, was a grade below him. He went to Kenyon College, majoring in French and Economics and later transferred to Ohio Wesleyan graduating in 1962. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves as a tank commander. Tom and Sondra (Young) married in 1962 and made a life in Worthington, Ohio with their four daughters Stacy, Lynne, Melinda, and Megan. His passion for photography, trains and historic home restoration gave him lots of pleasure. Tom was a classically trained pianist who entertained all who came to his home. He loved spending time with his family traveling to all parts of the country and abroad. Vacations were fun because of his ability to make light of obstacles like an overheated radiator, broken power steering, and inoperable brakes. His jokes and stories were notorious. Tom was able to make friends wherever we went, even at a Scottish rest-stop. He was an engaging conversationalist, had a sharp intellect, and a mischievous wit. Tom is preceded in death by parents Dr. Edward R. and Martha S. Abernathy, sister Holly J. Abernathy. Survived by wife of 57 years Sondra Young Abernathy of Worthington, Ohio. Survived by sisters Jean A. Girdler of Greenwich,CT, Johanna Abernathy of Columbus, OH, daughters Stacy (Bill Tankovich) Abernathy, Lynne (Craig) Murdick, Melinda (Don) Pippel, Megan (Greg) Oldendorp. Grandchildren Madeline and Max Pippel, Carly, Grace, Wesley, and Justin Murdick, Owen, Graham, and Scarlett Oldendorp. Our dear father, grandfather and friend deserves a beautiful tribute. Due to the COVIDE-19 pandemic the family has chosen to do a graveside service at Walnut Grove Cemetery at 1PM, there will be no visitation or services at the funeral home.