Robert Leroy Kern

Robert Leroy Kern passed away on May 4, 2023, at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 83.

He was born on August 11, 1939, to Norbert and Edna (Reese) Kern in Rooks County, Kansas. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Runyan, on June 5, 1960, in Plainville. They were blessed with three sons: Robert Jr, Paul, and David.

Robert graduated from Palco High School with the Class of 1958. Robert and Pat owned and operated Kern Grocery, Dry Goods, and Kern’s Café for many years. He also worked for USD 269 as a Janitor. Robert’s “hobby” was his wife. He spoiled her so much that we thought he would get the sun and moon for her if he could! He didn’t like John Wayne but, of course, would watch because that’s what Pat wanted to watch. He loved to do word searches with her to see who would win, and after she passed away, it just wasn’t the same. Along with helping raise the children, he kept busy with the school bus booster station, lions club, Palco Pride, Knights of Columbus, and serving as past Mayor of Palco. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palco.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Kern Jr. of Plainville, Paul Kern of Dallas, Texas, and David Kern of Colby; sister, Clarice Bush of Tampa, Texas; sisters-in-law, Pam Young and husband Richard of Arkansas and Gladys School and husband Ken of Missouri; four grandchildren, Krissen Hamm (Michael), Bradley Kern, Mallory Kern, and Miranda Kern; and three great-grandchildren, Jason, Travis, and Atticus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to Redbud Village or Palco USD 269 and may sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663.