Perry Melvin Kerns Jr., 77

FEDERALSBURG - Perry Melvin Kerns Jr., 77, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1931, in Green Spring, W.Va., son of the late Perry Theodore Oliver Kerns and Deanie Whetzel Kerns.

He married, Joyce Ann Chance Kerns, on July 5, 1953, his wife of 51 years. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2004.

He graduated from Romney High School in West Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Navy and retired from the Navy after more than 20 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer Electronic Technician.

After being honorably discharged from the service he went to work for Airpax in Cambridge and also at Bay Shore in Easton. He then moved to Kentucky for eight years. Upon his return to the Eastern Shore, he began to work for Evey's TV of Preston and then for Nanticoke Homes in Greenwood.

During his retirement he worked at Hog Island Hunting Club near Preston, in which he took care of the grounds and fed the animals. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family, especially Sunday gatherings.

Perry is survived by six children, Wanda Johnson and her husband, Don of Greenwood, Del., Vickie Hicks of Preston, Janet Lipinski and her husband, Chris of Myrtle Beach, SC, James Kerns and his wife, Yolanda of Fort Smith, Ark., Sheri Francher of Denton, and Michael Kerns of Federalsburg; 18 grandchildren, Denise, Scott, Penny, Stefanie, Joey, Kim, Jackie, Mary, Ashley, Jamie, Jacob, JoAnna, Allen, Andrew, Zachary, Larry, Jessie; 23 great-grandchildren, Courtney, Craig, Collin, Kayla, James, Chris, Tejay, Howie, Rachel, Megean, Joey Jr., Elizabeth, Tyler, Lea, Carly, Donna, Kyle, Haleigh, Lauren, Rebekkah, Javen, Braydon, and Gabrielle. He was one of 14 children and he is survived by three sisters, Dorothy, Laura, and Geraldine.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and a grandson, George Hessey III.

A graveside service will be held at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans' Cemetery in Hurlock on at 1 p.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Caroline County Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 362, Denton, Maryland 21629.

To share memories with the family please visit www.framptom.com.