William Arthur “Bill” Kerns, Sr., 76, of Romney, passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at Hampshire Memorial Hospital, in Romney. Born December 16, 1941, he was the son of the late Joseph Arthur and Madelyn Evelyn (Riggins) Kerns.
Besides his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Delores Jean Kerns (d. October 29, 2011); two sons, Gary G. and Jeffery A. Turner; his half-sister, Marion McDonald; and by an infant brother.
Bill is survived by six sons, Randy A. Kerns and wife Tonya, of Fairmont, Robert L. Kerns, of Ga., William A. Kerns, Jr. and wife Jennifer, of Morgantown, Bradley A. Kerns and wife Kimberly, of Morgantown, Noel R. Kerns and wife Sharon, of Morgantown, and Ernest R. Kerns, of Fla.; two daughters, Joyce M. Brady-Turner and husband William, of Martinsburg and Judy L. Turner, of Pa.; his brother, Gerry L. Kerns and wife Julia, of Petersburg; 28 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; as well as his significant other, Lilian I. Pugh.
Bill was born and raised in Morgantown and attended Monongalia Co. schools. From an early age Bill found work in the construction industry. He established Kerns Construction in Morgantown in 1975. He was a passionate homebuilder with a career that spanned over 40 years. He loved to hunt and fish, tend to his garden, canning, old cars, and swinging on the porch watching hummingbirds.
Bill was a devoted Christian. He loved the Lord and his church. His favorite phrase was “Jesus Loves You”. He was very caring and liked to help people. If you couldn’t see Bill, you could always hear him, he loved to whistle. Bill will be sorely missed, especially by his two dogs, Peppy and Holly.
Friends will be received at Shaffer Funeral Home, in Romney, from 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, with the funeral services to follow with Pastor Bob Hoover officiating. Interment will be at Ebenezer Cemetery, Romney.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in Bill’s name to: Hampshire Co. Animal Shelter ~ 142 Twin Oaks Rd. ~ Paw Paw, WV 25434
Please direct inquiries to Shaffer Funeral Home, in Romney.
