After 82 years and 9 lives, Joseph Richard (Rich) Abernathy, of Eaton, Colorado, passed away suddenly on December 4th, 2016. Born November 12, 1934 in Gann Valley, South Dakota to Floyd and Marion Abernathy, he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Bonnie Abernathy; son Brett Abernathy, daughter-in-law Sabrina, and grandson Gabe; daughter Lana Abernathy Bump and son-in-law David Bump; and 6 of his 10 brothers and sisters. At various times in his long and lucky life he was a saddle bronc rider, Golden Gloves boxer, bus driver, radio announcer, rancher, and carpenter. He spent the last 17 years working and arguing with his son Brett, serving customers of Western Skies Construction.

Rich loved fishing with his grandson, long naps, good cookies, new jokes, and spinning (mostly) true yarns. An avid sports fan, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball and football; he loved Louis L'Amour books and John Wayne movies. He was an ornery flirt who always had a twinkle of mischief in his eye and an impish grin on his face. The only friends he didn’t make were people he never met.

A celebration of Rich’s remarkable life will be held in the coming months.