Wayne E. Abernathy, 68, of Belvidere, IL, passed away Thursday morning, June 18, 2015 in his home. Wayne was born March 11, 1947 in Elkhorn, WI, son of Laverne H. and Ruth M. (Goodall) Abernathy. He graduated from North Boone High school and went on to join the United States Army, where he served during the Vietnam era. While in Vietnam, Wayne received the Purple Heart. Wayne was employed by Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere from 1965-2004. Wayne married Ethel Hicks on June 1, 1991 in Poplar Grove, IL, she preceded him in death in 2012. He was a lifelong member of the VFW of Belvidere. Wayne enjoyed golf, fishing and cars and had a love for Harley Davidsons.

Wayne is loved and will be missed by his step-children, Bryan Hicks of Belvidere, IL, Tonia (Andrew) Henning of Dallas, TX; sisters, Annette Johnson of Shellsburg, WI, Julia (James) Wilkins of Delavan, WI, Laverna Deering of Poplar Grove, IL; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in by his parents, 2 wives, Christine Chapman and Ethel Hicks, sister, Sandra McMullen, brother-in-law, Carl Johnson, 2 nephews, Harvey Roberts and Scott Wilkins.

Celebration of life will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave, Belvidere, IL. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.