Wilman Lee Abernathy

Wilman Lee Abernathy died Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 80.

Lee was born February 6, 1945 in Eastland. He was the oldest child of Dowel Avery Abernathy and Sibyl Sessions Abernathy. His great great-grandparents came with the railroad to settle at Putnam in eastern Callahan County. As an infant, he was the sixth generation to live in the family home at Atwell, TX.

Lee was a graduate of Baird High School, Hardin-Simmons University (BA), and The University of Oklahoma (MA). He taught Social Studies and English at Abilene High School for 32 years, retiring in 2005. At the time of his retirement, the second floor of the Social Studies Wing at Abilene High School was renamed Abernathy Avenue in his honor. He taught English for 6 years at The University of Oklahoma and was an adjunct instructor at Cisco Junior College's Clyde Educational Center and Abilene Educational Center for 26 years. Lee was a consultant and facilitator for The College Board and the Educational Testing Service. In 2006, he was listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

In 1982, Lee added real estate sales and management to his careers, working for Homestead Real Estate; from 1984, after earning a broker’s license, he owned his own brokerage office until 2005.

His organizational activities include perpetual membership in the Sons of the American Revolution, Board of directors of the Callahan County Historical Commission, Board of directors of the Belle Plaine Cemetery Association, Texas State Teachers Association/NEA, and lifetime member of The University of Oklahoma Alumni Association.

Lee joined the Baptist church at an early age.

Going before him were his parents and his sisters Ruby Abernathy and Joaquin Abernathy Bowen King, nephew Victor Keith Bowen and niece April Bowen.

Survivors include nephews Dean Bowen of Baird and fiancé Gloria Castillo and Andy Bowen and wife Heather of Callahan County;  great nieces and nephews Gary Bowen, Jessica Alexander and husband Lejay and Kelli Bowen, all of Baird. Casey Bowen of Abilene, Hannah Long and husband Garrett of Madisonville and Olivia Gomez and husband Donovan of Clyde. Great great nephews include Jason Alexander, Branson Alexander, Devin Bowen, Stetson Gomez and Walker Long. Great great nieces include Kensie and Ryleigh Bowen and Lacey Bowen. This along with cousins and many friends that he held dear.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 PM Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2:00 PM in the Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home Chapel, with Andy Bowen officiating. A private family burial will be held at Ross Cemetery Annex.

in lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Callahan County Historical Commission, 2441 Malivar Clyde, Texas 79510.

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