Craig Kern, age 69, of Everett, PA (Monroe Township), and formerly of Winchester, VA, passed away at home on January 2, 2019. Born, March 19, 1949, Craig was known as many things throughout his life, including “husband” to his wife, Seri, for forty-five years. Not long before he died, he reminded her that “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers was still their song.
He affectionately referred to himself as “Butthead” (even on the answering machine); others often joined him in this term of endearment. Craig was known as Dad to his children, Nathan Kern (wife Heather) and Heather Kern Scarbrough (husband Albert). He taught his children many life lessons, including the importance of helping others, especially “old people” and sick children.
He stoically battled cancers, a triple A, and severe arthritis; he told his children to be “tough as nails” and to “never let ‘em see you cry”…. . but a commercial from St. Jude’s would bring a tear to his eye.
His nine grandchildren and great-granddaughter knew him as Pap Paw. He is eternally joining his granddaughter, April Rose. He loved sharing his toy collection with the kids, including his dancing, singing Bill Clinton doll, his laughing, singing, egg-laying chicken, and his laughing snowman.
His parents, Pete and Arbutus Kern, who have preceded him in death, knew him as their oldest child, the one that could always be counted on to lovingly torment his younger sisters, Sharon Robinson (husband J. D.), Karen Bowen (husband Randy) and Patricia Hines (whom preceded him in death), all from Winchester, VA. He has (and forever will be) known as “my hero” to his youngest sister, Karen, after saving her life when she was trapped in a stream under a bridge as a toddler. To his former co-workers at JLG Sunnyside, Craig was known as Mad Dog and as one who showed up to work even on days he probably shouldn’t.
He often shared with his family how much he valued the support of his co-workers. To his former co-workers at Karper’s (Winchester, VA) he was known as “Pig Pen” and, for a time, wore this title proudly on his helmet at work (he wanted it on his license plate, but his wife said no). To the Little Leaguers in Winchester (many years ago), Craig was known as “Coach”.
Even though he coached four decades ago, he still remembered his players and their epic feats. Craig received great joy from being ornery and was probably known by many other titles along the way. He took pride in being a “straight-shooter” and “telling it like it is”.
Craig never met a stranger and loved to talk with people and enjoyed creating laughter. He enjoyed hunting, especially the early morning coffee sharing with his friends……. even if his gun wasn’t loaded.
Friends will be invited to call Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Jack H. Geisel Funeral Home in Everett, PA. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm with his sister, Karen Bowen, directing.
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