Frederick Dayne Abernathy | 81 | Brighton

Frederick Dayne Abernathy, 81, of Brighton, Illinois, passed away  peacefully at his home on  Tuesday morning, Feb. 24, 2026. He was born Feb. 25, 1944 in Alton, Illinois, to Frederick Linus and Laverne (Farmer) Abernathy.  Frederick married his cherished wife, Nancy Jo Nischwitz, on Dec. 23, 1967 in East Alton, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on April 11, 2022.
Frederick graduated from Alton High School in 1963, and went on to attend Lewis and Clark Community College. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Frederick was a skilled electrician and crane inspector, dedicating his career to Laclede Steel in Alton, Illinois.  He was an active member of the Steelworkers Union, The Eagles, and held the position of president at the Tri-County Gun Club.
Frederick is survived by his two sons, Erick (Melissa) Abernathy of Jerseyville, Illinois, and Dirk (fiancée, Jenifer Barnes) of Brighton, Illinois; six grandchildren, Amber (Courtney) Weatherford, Derick Abernathy, Erick Abernathy Jr., Kelsey (Dakota) Smith, Nathaniel Barnes and Jordan (Michelle) Barnes; three great-grandchildren, Isaac Chinchilla, Jameson Smith, and Evelyn May Barmes.
He was preceded by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Lynn David Abernathy.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Illinois.  Following the service, burial will take place at Valhalla Memorial Cemetery in Godfrey, Illinois, with military honors.  Friends and family are welcome to visit on Friday, Feb. 27th, from 4 to 6 p.m.  at Anderson Family Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alton Memorial Hospital.
Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com (http://www.andersonfamilyfuneral,com)
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