Robert Kern, 84, former Chanute resident, died in Monday, July 5, 2010, in Warsaw, Mo., with his wife holding his hand. He was born July 2, 1926 in Thayer to James and Bessie Kirk Kern. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1944. He then enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

He married Betty Jones on April 22, 1946. He then started Kern Construction Company in Chanute until 1962. The FAA in Kansas City was his next job which turned into Tiger Producers, an oil lease company. He was later hired by the Army Corps of Engineers with the KC District. This job entailed working at the Parsons Ammo plant, tornado damage control in Topeka, and a part in the building of Tuttle Creek and Milford Lakes. He received numerous awards from the federal government for his money and time saving ideas. He retired and moved to Warsaw, Mo., in 1991.

He was a Mason, Shriner and American Legion member. He was post commander a the Chanute Post and during this time his wife, Betty, was auxiliary president, a feat not duplicated. He held a pilot’s license for many years.

As a dad, he went far and above for his children and grandchildren. Summers were spent at Grand Lake and vacations taken to all four corners of the U.S.A. He loved the air shows. He was proud to be a veteran who served his country during war time and made it a point to point out all the planes that he was familiar with.

His children are involved with planes, Robert, Jr., flies model planes, Nick was a pilot and Connie and Candy just love to watch and hear them. During their twilight years, Robert and Betty spent many years traveling in their 5th wheel, making and keeping friends from all over.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son James Hosea and brothers Raymond, Kenneth and David, two grandchildren Aaron Robert and Daniell Jean and son-in-law Bruce.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, children Robert, Jr., and wife, Connie, Connie and husband, Mike, Candy, Nick and wife, Tommie; 11 grandchildren, Shelly and husband, Charles, Scott, Todd, Crystal, Jim and wife, Heather, KIm and husband, Freddy, Stephanie and husband, Austin, James, Nicole and husband, Aaron, Kayla, Nick, Jr., and wife, Casey; 161/2 grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sisters Nadine, Bevery and Lois; and numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends.

A memorial will be held at a later date with full military honors. Reser Funeral Home, Warsaw, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.