Fred Edward Abernethy

Fred Edward Abernethy, 92, passed away due to complications of age. He was born in Hollis, Oklahoma to Herbert Leslie and Lola Ethel Carlton Abernethy. He was lovingly raised by his step-mother Ruth Nix Abernethy after the early death of his mother. Fred was a World War II army veteran having participated in the Anzio campaign. He was a structural ironworker for many years and earned the nickname “Fearless.” He was a long-time member of both the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Posse, serving a time as their Captain, and the National Pony Express Association, serving a time as a National Vice President. He lived for years in Bountiful and Bennion, Utah before their move to Mesa, Arizona.

Fred and his sweet wife DeLores Miles Abernethy were married for 66 years. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. We so appreciate her loving and tireless support of him as his health faltered. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, brother Doyle, son Mark Leslie Abernethy and daughter Marsha Ruth Abernethy. He is survived by Dee, his wife, and sons Miles (Becky) Abernethy of Gilbert, Arizona and Gene (Danalee) Abernethy of Alpine Utah. At the time of his death he had 11 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

He lived a life that exemplified hard work, honesty, sacrifice, thrift, charity, and humor. He was a cowboy and storyteller at heart. We will all remember his amazing “personal thing and another” stories, his devotion to his overfed horses and dogs, and the love and sacrifices he made for his family.

There will be a service on Saturday, August 26th at 2:00 pm at the Valley View Memorial Funeral Home chapel (4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City) and he will be buried at Valley View Memorial next to his son and daughter. Thank you sweetheart, dad, papa … we love you!