Kenneth E. Kern, Jr. 92, of Chillicothe, entered into Heaven at 5:28 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026 in the Adena Health System following an extended illness.
He was born January 7, 1934, in Ross County, Ohio, to the late Kenneth E. Sr. and Florence Waulk Kern. On December 15, 1952, he married the love of his life, the former Mary Drais, who survives. This year they would have celebrated 74 years of marriage together.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda (Donny Payne) Eblen; sons, David Kern and Eddie (Vonda) Kern; a son-in-law, Steve Edler, all of Chillicothe; granddaughters, Stephanie (Steven) Dunn and Samantha Flannery; great grandchildren, Danielle (Brandon) McQuay, Jason E. Edler Jr., Kaylea Edler, Trinity Flannery and Olivia Flannery; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions, his dogs, Peanut and Skeeter. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Kenneth E. Kern III; a daughter, Joyce Edler; a grandson, Jason Edler; sisters, Nellie Hurtt and Betty Bogenrife; and a brother, Vernon “Buck” Kern.
Kenneth was a member of Hallsville Community Church and was a graduate of Unioto High School Class of 1952. He retired from the Mead Paper Mill where he had worked for 40 years, had also served in the Army National Guard and was a member of U.P.I.U. Local 731. Kenneth was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Greg Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Township Cemetery. Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Thursday.
You may sign his online register at warefh.com
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Ware Funeral Home.