David A. "Red" Kerns, Jr.

David Albert “Red” Kerns, Jr., 73, of St. Albans passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 8:21pm while in the Emergency Room at CAMC Memorial. The courage, strength, and dignity that he prayed for was meticulously carried out by the Hand of God as he peacefully left this earth. Red was born on January 31, 1944 in Charleston, West Virginia and was the oldest son of the late Jean & Albert Kerns. Along with his parents, his daughter, Tammy greeted him at the gates of heaven Wednesday night. And lined up along the streets of gold, proudly awaited his three brothers: Larry, Billy, and Donnie Kerns and his two sisters: Clida Ann “Garby”“Rose & Terri Gardner. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1962 and retired from the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 625 with 54 years of service. Red accepted Jesus as his personal savior on March 15, 2011 and was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church. He was a hard-worker and hard-headed, but most importantly he was a man of his word. His family always came first and his last words were “I love all of you!” Surviving is his loving wife of 50 years: Jane Gillenwater Kerns of St. Albans; son, David Albert Kerns, III of St. Albans; daughters: Michelle Daugherty, and her husband Doug of Teays Valley; Amy McDonald, and her husband Terry of Indian Trail, North Carolina; six grandchildren: Brittany Gilbert, Cassie Boslaugh and her husband Tom, Patrick McDonald, Sarah Daugherty, Hannah McDonald, and Mary McDonald; three great-grandsons: Justin & Liam Burgess and Alister Boslaugh; one-great granddaughter due in September; sisters: Peggy Shaffer & Debbie Hager; and brothers: Dennis “Champ” Kerns & Pat Kerns; 20 nieces and 13 nephews. Our family would like to thank: Dr. Sarah Nease, Dr. Kevin Eggleston, Dr. Robby Keith, Dr. Julian Espirtiu, Dr. Ronald McCowan, Dr. Reggie Triplett, and Dr. Amir Cheema for their commitment to providing excellent healthcare. We appreciate the compassion shown by the staff of CAMC Memorial, the paramedics of Kanawha Valley Ambulance Authority and Hospice Care, especially Stacey and Kristen. The ongoing support by Pastor Benny Bess, Pastor Seth Polk, Pastor Brandon Carter and the members of Cross Lanes Baptist Church continues to be a blessing. And to each of you who prayed, called, visited, or sent a card…your acts of kindness have given extra strength to Red and his family, and for that we are forever grateful. A celebration of Red’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 28th at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans with Pastor Seth Polk and Pastor Benny Bess officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday, June 27th at the funeral home. You may visit Red’s tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com to share memories with the family. Red would say “don’t waste your money on flowers,” but would be honored if you choose to contribute to one of the following organizations: Cross Lanes Baptist Church, 101 Knollwood Drive, Cross Lanes, WV 25313 or Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. West, Charleston, WV 25387-2536, www.hospicecarewv.org. It is well with his soul and we Praise God for blessing us with the life of this one-of-a-kind man!

David A. "Red" Kerns, Jr.

January 31, 1944 - June 21, 2017