Dean I. Kern Sr. – Bedford
Dean I. Kern Sr., passed away at 8:45am on March 23, 2104 at his residence.
Born in Lawrence Co. he was the son of Herbert (Tommy) and Eva P. (Lamb) Kern. Dean married Lucy M. Raimondi on January 6, 1951 and she survives. Dean was a 1945 graduate of Fayetteville High School. He was a WWII Veteran and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the American Legion Gillen Post #33, and was awarded “Honorary Life Membership” and had over 50 years of consecutive membership. Dean served as Post Commander, and for over 17 years served at Post Adjutant. He served as the Department of IN Ninth District Commander, District Adjutant, Department of IN Sgt-at-Arms, the Department Executive Committee, District Finance Committee, and was on numerous other committees. On the National level he was Vice
Chairman of the Distinguished Guests Committee and he was a delegate to both the Dept. and National Conventions. Dean was a member of the 40 & 8 voiture #1192 and was Chief De Gare for two terms. He was an associate member of F.O.P., Stone City Lodge #94 and the Gillen Post #33 Honor Guard for funeral detail.
Dean felt strongly that those who had served this great country should be recognized and appreciated. So in 1993 he conferred with the staff of the Bedford Times Mail regarding the placement of the American Flag next to the name of the deceased veteran in the obituary. To this day this practice is still being honored at the family’s request.
In his youth he was employed as a Steeplejack and continued this line of employment after serving in the military. He traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, building, repairing and demolishing brick and concrete chimneys. In addition, Dean was employed as a bread route salesman (wholesale and retail), Jewel Home Shopping service (retiring as area manager), Tom Sales representative and then retiring for a second and final time as a salesman at the Jug Store.
He loved golfing and was known to spend time on the golf course participating in local outings. He was an avid auto racing fan. In the 1960’s he helped organize the “South Central Indiana Racing Association” (SCIRA) to sanction and promote racing at local tracks. Dean served as track announcer at several local tracks and was a representative for the National Speed Sport News, writing race results and contributing several articles for the paper.
He will be sadly missed by his survivors that include wife Lucy; sons, David L. Kern and companion Fannie Lee, Dean I. Kern Jr. and wife Mary Dee, Dennis R. Kern and wife Lori; a daughter, Deborah A. Lane; three grandchildren, Ryan D. Lane, Alec M. Kern and Emily M. Kern;2 nieces Joyce A. Ballard and Judy Forno; and a nephew, Ray “Adam” Forno. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Elmer L., Harry R. and Olin W Kern.; 2 sisters who died in infancy; and 2 nephews Harold W. and Jerry L. Kern.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am on Thursday, March 27th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at the Day & Carter Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Gillen Post #33 Funeral Honor Guard Detail.
Family and friends are invited to sign the guestbook and light a candle in memory of Dean at www.daycarter.com.
