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William “Bill” Kerns, 78, of Hannibal, Mo., died at 4:27 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home in Hannibal, Mo.
There are no services planned at this time.
Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, Mo.
Bill was born July 26, 1945, near Cyrene, Mo., on the family farm, to Leslie and Garnett Lovell Kerns.
He was married Oct. 11, 1969, to Pat Leake in St. Clement, Mo. She survives.
Also surviving are one granddaughter, Tallin Sims, and one bonus daughter, Liza Martin.
His son, Thadd Christopher Kerns, his parents and his mother-in-law, Helen Leake, all died earlier.
Bill was veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War era.
Over his career, Bill farmed and later operated the Kerns Sales and Service Co. in St. Clement, Mo., which was a lawn and garden business. In later years, he taught at the Hannibal Vocational and Technical Center and worked in sales at both Lowe’s and Home Depot. He was also a co-owner of Kerns Carpet Cleaning.
Away from work, Bill enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, sitting on his front porch visiting with friends and neighbors. He also liked to play cards with friends, with Double Deck GI pinochle being one of his favorite games. Woodworking, traveling with his wife and simply spending time at home were a few of Bill’s favorites. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in Bill’s name.
Online condolences may be made and video tribute viewed at www.jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com.