Frank Kerns

Frank Kerns, of Forestville, MD passed with his family surrounding him, on the afternoon of Friday, October 26, 2018 at the age of 71. Born in Washington, DC to Audrey Ann (Thomas) Kerns and Eugene Martin Kerns. Frank grew up in the Boulevard Heights area of Prince George’s county. He was a graduate of Suitland High School, Class of 1965. A Vietnam veteran, Frank served in the US Marine Corps earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal before he was honorably discharged in 1969. Frank considered himself a “true blue patriot”. As a Marine, Frank shared the fellowship of shared hardships and dangers which created the close bond of comradeship. He passed a legacy on to his family; loyalty to self, each other and to the family and adhering always to the motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). Passionate would be how his family would describe his support of the military. Frank met Joan during an encounter set up through family members in September of 1972. By December they were engaged and married on April 14, 1973. They celebrated 45 years of marriage bliss this past anniversary. Together with Joanie, “the love of his life”, they brought three wonderful children into this world. With the arrival of each, his pride grew larger. With a stern hand and a gentle heart he taught them to show love, compassion and humility. He was a genuine role model to them all. He enjoyed nothing more than time spent with his grandbabies. He could be described as the person we all aspire to be. Frank was a high voltage electrician and engineer. He worked for the Smithsonian Institute for 49 years. During his spare time, Frank was an avid player in paint ball tournaments and enjoyed anything that involved shooting. Beloved husband of Joanie Kerns; dearest son of Audrey Ann Kerns of Oxon Hill, MD; devoted father of Jinni Kerns of Forestville, MD, Mike Kerns (Nikki Kerns) of Clarksville, TN and Shannon Kerns (Tony Wehausen) of Lusby, MD; cherished Pop of Maddie Bear, Emma Bean, Lily Bug, Mick, Livi and Nate; loving brother of Martin Kerns (Faye) of Washington, DC, Barbara Burton of AZ, John Kerns (Denise) of TN, David Kerns (Debbie) of AZ; brother-in-law of Ted Merkle (Bunny) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Jane Mullings (Wayne) of Hughesville, MD, Joe Merkle (Becky) of Hughesville, MD, Mike Merkle (Ev) of DE, Cat Parker (Dan) of SC and TK Rumbough (Dayton) of FL. Frank was predeceased by his father, Eugene Martin Kerns and his brother, Douglas Kerns. For those desiring, contributions in memory of Frank may be directed to his favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Kerns please visit our Sympathy Store.