Alford Joseph Abernathy, 78, passed away on August 28, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospice. He was born on October 20, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo to William J. Abernathy and Verda (Valdee) Abernathy Gray. He was preceded in death by both parents, his beloved wife of 54 years Anita L. Abernathy, children Adam Abernathy, Rhoda Abernathy, Alford R. Abernathy Sr., and Latonya (Lester-Newsome) Abernathy, grandchild Quincy L. Jones Abernathy, great grandson Marckeith Edwards, and siblings Lee Alvin Grey Abernathy, James "Happy" Abernathy, Hubert Abernathy, Thelma Toombs, Eva Jene Shelton, Lois Abernathy, Eddie Dixon and Amos Ervin.

Alford J. Abernathy attended R.T Coles. Alford then proudly went on to serve in the U. S. Marine Corp as a cook. After retiring from his military service and received his G.E.D. and then attended the Culinary Arts Program at Penn Valley Community College. Alford enjoyed working at Crown Center as a chef. Alford then went on to be a decorated corrections officer at the Jackson County Corrections Center. He then worked as a decorated Metro Bus Operator for 39 years enjoying his 39th street route even though he drove many routes. Alford enjoyed having a good time. He loved to dance, shoot pool, and share a witty laugh with good company. Alford leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Theresa (Kirk) Douglas, Victor (Tonya) Abernathy, Terril (Merriam) Abernathy, Cynthia (Zack) Tapp, Viola Abernathy, Roger (Tina) Abernathy, Alfreda Gatlin, Tracy (Carol) Gatlin, Kenneth Howlett, Mitchell Jones, Brandon Abernathy, and Quailandt Cordae Abernathy; one sister, Rosemary Overall; one brother, Harold "R.T." Ervin; along with thirty-four grandchildren, forty-seven great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a host of cousins and beloved friends. A special thanks to Carol "C.J." Gatlin for all the help and support to the family.

Funeral services Wednesday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.