David F. Abner, 88, of Hunters Lane, Morehead, Kentucky, patriot, community leader, business owner, and volunteer, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013, at his home. Born on January 31, 1925, in Clay County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Shelby C. and Carrie B. McDaniel Abner. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Abner and Sara Rose Abner Nagle; a brother, Paul Henry Abner; and a son, Michael Glenn Abner, who passed away in June 2000. Dave is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rozella Marie Littlefield Abner, a Women's Air Corps veteran, whom he wed January 13, 1945, and their four daughters: Barbara Jo Marsh (Robert), Patricia Lynn Dailey (Porter), Kelli Marie Barhorst (Tod), all of Morehead, Kentucky, and Susan Grogan (Alan) of Nicholasville, Kentucky. Additional survivors include twelve grandchildren: Ryan Tyler Howard, Candida Leigh Howard Dales, William David Ross McClain, Sarah Dickerson Dailey, Emily Susan Daily, Christopher David Abner, Lauren Michelle Abner, Allison Lynn Grogan, Alan Ross Grogan, Claire Marie Barhorst, Paige Elizabeth Barhorst, and Tod David Blake Barhorst, and twelve great-grandchildren: Jared Tyler Howard, Abigail Taylor Howard, Alexa Paige Howard, Caden Thomas Norden, Josey Lee Norden, Morgan Elizabeth McClain, Griffin Scott McClain, Kegan Clarence Dales, Connor Thomas Dales, Grayson Bailey Dales, Sydney Evelyn Dales, and Sheraden Leigh Dales. Dave was a 1942 high school graduate of Oneida Baptist Institute. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater from May 1943 to March 1946. His last year was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) in the Pacific. After the Japanese surrender, the Intrepid was in Tokyo Bay for two months as part of the occupation force and returned two thousand American prisoners of war home for Christmas 1945. His lifelong patriotism was evidenced by his commitment to veterans and his active involvement in Morehead American Legion Post 126. He spearheaded the efforts (personally securing a bank loan) to construct the first Legion Hall in Morehead, which is located on Bishop Avenue and is still being utilized. He also served as Post Adjutant for several years, and at the state level was Vice Commander for the Ninth District, Senior Vice Commander, and State Commander (1982-83). Dave holds the distinction of being the only Rowan County Legionnaire to serve as state commander. Through the G.I. Bill, Dave received his B.A. in Business from the University of Kentucky in 1949. He founded a mechanical contracting company in Lexington, Kentucky, and for many years built homes and businesses, as well as thoroughbred horse barns, in that area. He moved to Morehead in 1963 and later formed Abner Construction Co., Inc., Abner Apartment Rentals, and Mor-Steel. Involved in many volunteer organizations, Dave was an active member of the Optimist Club of Morehead. He served in many leadership roles including serving as President for the 1967-68 year and later as Zone Lt. Governor of the Kentucky-West Virginia district. He was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Mr. Abner was always interested in improving and promoting the city of Morehead. When he served as Chairman of the Morehead Recreation Commission, the pool, bathhouse, and baseball field phase of the Morehead Recreation Park was completed. He served as Morehead's first Building Inspector and was instrumental in restoring Morehead's eligibility for federal housing grants and acquiring both Heritage Place and Triplett View apartment projects in his capacity as HUD Workable Program Coordinator. During his tenure as Chairman of the Rowan County Airport Board (Farmers airport), runway lighting was installed and the original Federal Aviation Administration Grant Agreement was completed. He also worked with local officials to annex areas on all sides of the city. On the state level, Dave was a member of the first class of sixteen Kentucky Certified Building Inspectors after Kentucky adopted uniform building (BOCA) and plumbing codes in 1968. He served ten years on the State Plumbers Examining Committee at the Frankfort and Louisville test locations. He also obtained a Master Plumber License as well as a Master Electrician License. He enjoyed many sports activities, especially outdoors, and hunted deer and elk in Colorado for many years. His family brought him much joy as he was an active participant in their lives Visitation is from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. A celebration of life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pete Hamm officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by Morehead American Legion Post 126. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Morehead American Legion Post 126 Building Fund, P. O. Box 58, Morehead, KY 40351 Visitation: Wednesday, March 13, 2013, from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Funeral: Thursday, March 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens