Robert Kerns

Biography

Robert Eugene “Gene” Kerns, 82, of Belle Center, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at his residence. He was born September 2, 1929 in Belle Center, to the late Don O. and Alcie M. (Allen) Kerns.

On July 20, 1963, he married Clara Louise Buchanan in Deshler, Ohio and she preceded him in death June 1, 2010. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Sidney Kerns, and a granddaughter, Ashley Marie Kerns.

Surviving are his children; two daughters, Helen (Gregg) Norris of Rushsylvania Ohio, and Lisa (Dan) Foulk of Belle Center and a son, Matthew (Martha Lear) Kerns of Bellefontaine, Ohio; a brother, Charles Kerns of Belle Center; 8 grandchildren, Lucretia (Tom) Grogan, Gregory “Jamie” Norris, Gerald “Gary” Norris, Brittany Schenk, Emily Foulk, Danny “DC” Foulk II, Dakota “Cody” Kerns and Douglas Kerns; and 2 great-grandchildren, Robert “Robbie” Grogan and Jordan Schenk.

A 1947 graduate of Belle Center High School, he was a long-time farmer. He worked as a machinist at Rockwell in Kenton for forty years. He was a member of the Belle Center Church of Christ where he served many years as a Deacon and Trustee. He was also a 50 year member of the Free and Accepted Masons Bellefontaine Lodge #209 and was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Gene was known as the “Bubblegum Man” to many people.

Calling hours are Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center. A Masonic Service will be held at 8 P.M. Pastor David C. Hawthorne will officiate an 11:00 A.M. funeral service Friday, March 9, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Home Health and Hospice 701 S. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH 43311 or to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home 24902 Notestine Rd. Woodburn, IN 46797