Wendal Howard Kerns

Wendal Howard Kerns
Wendal Howard Kerns, age 84, a resident of rural Hale, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021, at his residence, surrounded by family.
Wendal was born the son of Howard and Florence (Burton) Kerns on February 10, 1937, in Bedford, Missouri. He was a 1955 graduate of Tina-Avalon High School. He served in the United States Army from 1960 until 1962, serving in Vilseck, Germany. Wendal was united in marriage to Diane Edwards on May 27, 1966, in Chillicothe, Missouri. She survives of the home. He has a passion for farming, and farmed in the Hale, Bedford, and Avalon areas throughout his life. He was a member of the Hale United Methodist Church, in Hale, Missouri, where he served on the board. Wendal enjoyed collecting John Deere collectables, serving as a 4-H leader, serving on the Hurricane Township and the Livingston County Planning and Zoning Boards, and restoring 1960 Chevy Impalas. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastime was watching them participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities. They were always his pride and joy.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Diane Kerns of the home; three daughters, Kathy Nelson and husband Bryant of Hale, Missouri, Karen Loman and husband Mark of Palmyra, Missouri, and Kristy Heussner and husband Clint of Hale, Missouri; one son, Kyle Kerns of St. Louis, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Keith Nelson, Drake Heussner, Alex Loman, Gage Heussner, Kami Nelson, Alyssa Loman, Kaitlynn Heussner, Kortney Nelson, and Alaina Loman; one brother, Dwight Kerns and wife Donna of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Janice Reven.
Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri, on Monday, March 29, 2021, from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Avalon Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hale R-1 School and/or the Hale United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri.