Kevin Kerns

Kevin Kerns, age 63 years, died unexpectedly at home in Kent, Ohio on November 28, 2023.  He was born in Cleveland on September 12, 1960. Kevin was a lifelong learner who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (University of Akron, Magna Cum Laude) and a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs (Indiana University). He worked mostly in the transportation industry, including working as a truck driver for several companies and a school bus driver for Kent City Schools. He was proud to be chosen as a member of the national Safety Team when he was a driver for Overnight Transportation.

Kevin embraced life fully. He was a loving spouse and father who was devoted to his family. His sons were a source of pride and becoming a father was one of the great joys of his life. Kevin loved the natural world, and hiking in green places was a spiritual and beloved activity for him. He also loved travel, and learning about other people, places, and their language as well as learning about different cultures and cuisines. He and his wife went hiking, birding, and camping in many US parks, and they also explored international destinations together. Kevin was also an excellent cook who enjoyed cooking dishes from around the world. He had a good heart, and he enjoyed helping people and bringing them happiness. Kevin was a good friend to many, and he especially cherished his participation with other men in the Mankind Project, his friends in the Spanish Meet-up, hiking with friends, and the friendships he made at the Unitarian Universalist church. He brought his sense of awe and gratitude to all that he did.        

Kevin was preceded in death by his father Ralph Charles Kerns and his mother Ellen Ann (Norton) Kerns. He also deeply missed his Aunt Phyllis Szesze and his father-in-law Richard Jackson who were like second parents to him.

Kevin is survived by his wife Kathryn (Jackson) Kerns, his son Marine Corps 1st Lt. Noah Kerns, his son Alan Kerns, and his daughter-in-law Ally (Hahn) Kerns. He is also survived by his brother William Kerns and his partner Ann Baker, his mother-in-law Ruth (Theilmann) Jackson, his sister-in-law Susan (Jackson) Kildow and her sons Andrew and Daniel, and his brother-in-law Thomas Jackson and his wife Ann and son Richard.

Kevin will be cremated at Bissler and Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Kent, Ohio. A Memorial Service has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 4:00PM in Hobbs Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent (228 Gougler Avenue, Kent, OH 44240). The Memorial Service will be live streamed via Zoom and can be viewed at the following link:  https://zoom.us/j/95835411274

Contributions in Kevin’s name may be made to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Trails Now or Environmental Education Fund, 1403 West Hines Hill Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264 or online at https://www.conservancyforcvnp.org/donate/; or to Next Man Foundation, the Mankind Project's scholarship partner, with funds supporting local men seeking to attend a Mankind Project training weekend. Checks can be made out to the Next Man Foundation, and mailed to: Jason Daron, 13720 Duncan Run Road. Galena, OH  43021, or contact Bill Dodge via email at wedodge1977@gmail.com to use a credit card.

Cremation Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.

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