THE VILLAGES, Fla. - Donald (Don) Ray Kern was born on Oct. 20, 1939, to Clarice and Josie (Curl) Kern, and he passed away on Oct. 9, 2023.
Don married Sharon (Denhart) Kern on Oct. 25, 1968, and they lived in Ogden until she passed in 2012. He then retired full time to Florida and resided in The Villages.
Don graduated from Mount Vernon High School and then moved to Chicago and worked for Abbot Laboratories. In 1961, Don joined the U.S. Airforce, where he received training in electronics. After completing his service, Don moved to Homer and drove a Redi-Mix truck. He then began working for Magnavox in Urbana and at Koerner Electric, where he continued his work with electronics prior to beginning his career in the asphalt industry.
Don enjoyed a successful career of 35 years in the Operating Engineers Union while working for University Asphalt and retired from Open Road Asphalt in 2008. Don used his vast skills and knowledge of electronics while he managed various hot mix asphalt plants in central Illinois. There was nothing the man could not figure out once he put his mind to it.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Denhart) Kern; parents, Clarice and Josie (Curl) Kern; brother David Kern; and sister-in-law, Nancy Kern.
Don is survived by his wife, Patsy Kern of The Villages; two sons, Trace Kern and Jeffrey (Lori) Kern, both of St. Joseph; and four grandchildren, Cody Kern, Aubrey Kern and Jacob Kern, all of St. Joseph, and Morgan (Tyler) Roy of Neoga. Don also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, River and Dottie Roy of Neoga.
Also surviving are five brothers, Walt (Jean) Kern, Tom (Irene) Kern, Joe Kern, Roger (Karla) Kern and Jim (Kim) Kern.
Don loved playing golf with family and friends. He appreciated a good card game and watching baseball. He cherished spending time with his family and will be forever missed.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
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