Joseph Dean Kerns

Joseph Dean Kerns 63 of Bainbridge passed from this life Sunday, March 6, 2022 at his home. He was born June 5, 1958 in Greenfield the son of the late Chauncey Roy Kerns and Bessie (Boggs) Stevens.

Joe is survived by his fiancé` Karen Whitley, whom he promised to care for if anything ever happened to his best friend Jeff G. Whitley, Sr.  He is also survived by his children Amanda Secrest; Jeffrey G. (Rachel) Whitley, Jr. and Shirley (Shawn) Shanks; 10 grandchildren Jeffrey G. (Stephanie) Whitley III, Patience, Lilly, Jennifer, Debra, Bridgette, and Beau Whitley and Ashley, Bethany and Kyle Shanks; a great grandchild Dakota Whitley; brothers Jerry and Chuck Newland; sister Ruth Ann Stine; brother-in-law Phillip Whitley; sister-in-law Cathy Kunzmann; special cousins Ed (Sue) Secrest and Paul Secrest; friends Mike Knisley, Randy Louk, Betty and Dave Kinnison; and his little dogs Tiny and Bandit.

In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Joe was a Petty Officer 3^rd Class in the US Navy, serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN 602) and the USS George Bancroft (SSBN 643) in 1976-1979. He was a member of the American Legion Post 14 of Bainbridge and the Amvets Post 4 of Chillicothe. Joe was a carpenter who enjoyed fishing; riding his motorcycle (his pride and joy); and gathering with friends.  

A Gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. The SMITH-MOORE-EBRIGHT Funeral Home of Bainbridge is serving the family.