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- Arthur Thomas Tom Abner, age 81, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, May 6, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born November 22, 1938, in Beattyville, Kentucky, the son of Arthur Doc and Carrie Alice (Kincaid) Abner. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Sue Erwin on June 25, 1965, at First Christian Church in Flora, and together they shared 48 years of marriage until her death November 7, 2013.
Tom was a 1956 graduate of Flora Township High School and then continued his education at the University of Illinois. He graduated from U of I with a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1961. After graduation, Tom enlisted with the Army Reserve. After finishing his reserve duties, he began working alongside his father at Abner Trucking Company.
Tom began his oilfield career at an early age. His father worked for Gulf Oil, and Tom would do summer work as a roustabout for his father at the early age of 14. He continued this work, as well as pumping wells, up until his father retired from Gulf Oil. Toms father then started up Abner Trucking Company in 1958, and Tom began running oilfield tank truck services. It was just a few years later that Abner Trucking began their oilfield pulling unit services. From then on, Tom never looked back. He ran a pulling unit until the age of seventy-two at which time he did not retire, but instead, continued to mentor and manage his oilfield hands. This year marked the 62nd year of operation for Abner Trucking Company. Tom was a hard worker and took great pride in being a part of the Illinois oil industry.
Tom was also a great family man. When Tom was not working, he enjoyed boating, riding his four-wheeler with his favorite dog Dottie sitting front and center, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and mowing. Mowing wasnt work, it was a hobby, and you could tell he enjoyed it if you ventured past his property that looked like a well-groomed golf course.
He is survived by three children: Randy (Erica) Abner of Flora, Michelle (Kenny) Pietz of Flora, and Jason (Patti) Abner of Los Angeles, CA; ten grandchildren: Jordan (Josh) Kessler, Gage (Lacey) Cobb, Donovan (Destinee) Cobb, Echoe Abner, Elsie Abner, Justin & Adam Pietz, Alexis Abner, William Abner, and James Abner; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Carolyn Abner; sister: Mitzi Goldstein; and an infant brother: William.
A private ceremony is planned. Interment will be in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.
Memorial donations are suggested to First Christian Church of Flora and will be accepted through the funeral home.
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1938 - 2020 (81 years)
