Richard Royce Abernethy

Dick's life was marked by a deep sense of duty and service. He attended Oklahoma State University before serving his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. His commitment and valor earned him the Korean Service Medal and the UN Service Medal.

In 1959, Dick married Virginia Teale, and together they welcomed two children into their lives, Charles Abernethy and Anne Pauken. Though life took unexpected turns, Dick found love again in 1972 when he met and married Linda White. Together they had a son, Richard B. Abernethy, and shared a remarkable bond for 51 years until his passing.

Throughout his career, Dick showcased his exceptional talents as a salesman. He held positions as a sales manager at a lawn sprinkler company and a boat manufacturer. In 1981, he took a bold leap and founded Fanjet Cooling Concepts, where he poured his heart and soul into building the company from the ground up which culminated in its sale in 1999. Despite this, Dick's passion for his work never waned, and he continued to serve as a manufacturing rep until 2010.

Dick Abernethy lived a life filled with vibrant activity and community involvement. An avid swimmer, he could be found effortlessly gliding through laps at the pool every morning at 5:00 a.m., a routine he maintained until his late 80s. He also served the City of Frisco, on both the Charter Review Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board. He also regularly attended church and was a member of Grace Avenue United Methodist Church in Frisco, TX.

A passionate sports enthusiast, he raced sail boats in his younger years and enjoyed fishing when he could make the time. Dick found joy in cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. In his leisure, Dick enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, often attributing his longevity to his daily indulgence of a single drink of scotch, a ritual he held dear.

Dick Abernethy is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mignon Abernethy, his brother William Abernethy, and his son-in-law Rob Pauken. He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Anne Pauken, and her children Taylor Beverly, her husband Joshua and Jonathon Pauken, his wife Sydney Pauken and daughter Madelyn. He is also survived by his son Charles Abernethy and wife Kathy, and his son Richard Abernethy, wife Aimee, and their daughter Alivia.

A visitation will be held on March 27th, 2024 from 11:00am-12:00pm, at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Service from 12:00pm-1:00pm. 7990 President George Bush Tpke, Dallas, TX 75252.