Marshall W. (Neal) Abernathy

Marshall W. (Neal) Abernathy was a quiet man of few words whose life speaks volumes. When faced with adversity, pain and illness, he met it with perseverance, endurance, acceptance and faith. When he contracted West Nile, he never questioned his circumstances or asked, "why me?". He simply worked every day doing the things necessary for his recovery. He was admired by his doctors for the gains he made that went far beyond his prognosis. His journey and his character as he went through life exhibited very high standards he set for himself and hoped to instill in others.

Neal was always willing to help even when others did not even know he was helping. He expected nothing in return or recognition for his good deeds. He was an amazing problem solver. His boss once said, "If you have a problem, give it to Abernathy. He won't quit until there is a solution." There were many times his co-workers benefited from his knowledge and assistance. They will remember him as "quiet spoken, kind, enduring and having a heart that was always ready to help". Neal's attention to detail has been quite instrumental in his contributions to his profession.

Neal earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin where he was active in Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional fraternity. Neal was first employed by Fina Oil & Chemical. His responsibilities included traditional refining units, BTX and olefin petrochemicals, and plastics manufacture. Neal advanced to Manager of Process Engineering including the Pilot Plant research facility. He worked on new facilities around Texas and Louisiana, supported the license of petrochemical technologies, process design, and start-up on a world-wide basis. Neal was instrumental in establishing new chemical businesses in India and Argentina. His field of expertise grew to include distillation, process design, safety management, new technology development, investment options and business plans.

In 1984 Neal relocated to the Fina corporate office in Dallas. The development of joint venture projects for propylene, ethylene, xylene, and styrene facilities was the major professional focus for Abernathy during this time. Neal later organized the first Process Safety Management programs for all the company plants. The Clean Air Act brought assignments for gasoline, diesel, and US EPA reporting for the company refineries and fuel terminals. He has received several patents in distillation, desulfurization and process technology. He has spoken at SMU and written articles in World Refining, Hydrocarbon Processing and the Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing and Design.

Mr. Abernathy had the good fortune to work for the same company for 32 years, and upon his retirement in 2000, he had the opportunity to open his own business. His firm, Cosden Engineering and Consulting, is a registered engineering firm where Mr. Abernathy was a chemical engineer in private practice serving the refining and petrochemical industries. Assignments included support for a new gasoline import business, refinery fuel and additive registration and reporting, litigation support, refinery benchmarking, and site selection for a new petrochemical facility.
Although he took great pride in the continued development of his private practice, finding time and energy to volunteer in the professional field was a priority for Neal. He was the CHAIR of the Dallas Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. His support of the National Engineering Week included working with MathCounts, Future City and TSPE scholarship programs. Neal served as a Director for the Dallas Chapter TSPE. In addition, Neal has served for several years on the national level of NSPE on the "Critical Infrastructure Homeland Security Taskforce" and on the state level of TSPE on the "Taskforce on Homeland Security". In an associated area, Neal has been certified for Security Vulnerability Analysis by the Center for Chemical Process Safety. Neal was committed to supporting chemical engineers in their professional growth, and registration as a P. E., thus contributing to the future and excellence in engineering. He was a member of the Texas Forestry Association and has a Master Tree Farmer designation.

Neal was a dedicated, loving, patient and accepting father. His daughters cannot recall a time when he was angry or unsupportive. He always allowed them to be themselves in his kind and gentle way. When Neal became ill, Jaden, his oldest grandchild, rushed to his bedside and it was very evident that Neal was so proud to see him. Julian, shares his granddad's love for football. They would spend hours discussing and strategizing over the games. Kyle influenced his grandfather to hatch a butterfly after he had done so. Both Neal and Kyle were great at holding butterfly's in their hand. Elizabeth loved just spending time together with her Papa and never wanted to leave when it was time to go. Because of the strength she saw in her Papa, she asked him to personally build her a barn for her horse.

He was a faithful, loving husband and likely fought his illness much harder from concern for his wife. As his body grew weaker, his character became stronger. It was amazing the things he would endure for his family. He was ever constant, ever loving and ever helpful.

The church family from Prestonwood was a true blessing to Neal. Their encouragement and strength has been evident for the past 10 years. Neal's faith grew, his resolve was renewed and there was always someone from the church present for life's celebrations, or just a respected person to have intelligent conversation with. Some of the friends from church became closer than a brother.

We may never have a full understanding of God's plan, but over and over we have seen His hand. The journey was not easy, but Neal gained respect for every mile. It's amazing how things that would break others only made him stronger.

Neal is survived by his wife Luan Abernathy, daughters Loral Abernathy (Sebastian Baudin), Marissa (Brain) Bartlett, grandchildren Jaden and Julian Reitzer, Kyle Vaudin, and Elizabeth Bartlett, and was preceded in death by parents Marshall W. Abernathy Sr., Olabelle Abernathy, brothers David and Billy Abernathy, and Cathleen Langston.

There will be a funeral service to celebrate Neal’s life on Wednesday June 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Faith Chapel, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas.

Neal will be laid to rest at Hughes Springs Cemetery in Hughes Spring, Texas on Thursday June 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.