Richard Lee Kerns, 79, of Palco, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas died Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.
 
Richard was born November 11, 1934 in Greenwood County, Kansas, the son of Henry and Maizie (Banks) Kerns.  He grew up in El Dorado and Pratt, and at the age of 15 moved to Plainville, Kansas.
 
Richard was united in marriage to Verla Marie Lambert on November 24, 1953 in Clayton, New Mexico.
 
Richard worked in the oil field his entire life, mainly on pulling units or as a pumper.  In 1969 he moved to Russell, then in 1975 moved to Oklahoma.  After he retired, he moved to Palco.  He enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
 
Surviving family includes two brothers, David of Sawyer, Kansas and Steve of Maize, Kansas and one sister, Melva “Kitten” McKelfish of Plainville, Kansas. Three sons, Michael “Mike” Kerns, of Webster, Kansas; Richard “Rick” Kerns of Fairport, Kansas  and Ernie “Joe” Kerns of Plainville, Kansas; two daughters, Sheryl Kuntzsch (Dennis) of Palco, Kansas and Theresa “Terri Lynne” Jerome of Hays, Kansas; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Norman “Bud” Kerns, Wilbur “PeeWee” Kerns, Melvin Kerns and Robert “Butch” Kerns; and one sister Carol Corley.

Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 29, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  A private family interment of ashes will follow at a later date.  Due to cremation, there will be no visitation.  A memorial has been established with American Cancer Society .  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.