Submitted by: Dan Rich
Terry Lee Kerns
Sept. 20, 1953 -- May 6, 2004
Terry Lee Kerns, 50, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, May 6, in his home, following a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer.
Terry was a commercial union painter, Local 1118. He was born on Sept. 20, 1953, in South Bend, to Harold and Joyce (Reeves) Kerns.
On Dec. 9, 1999, in South Bend, he married Ruby Hankins, who survives. Along with his wife, Ruby Kerns of South Bend, he is also survived by his four sons, Zachary "Zak" Kerns of South Bend, Jason Kerns of Lake City, Fla., and Willie Cunningham and Kyle Cunningham, both of Mishawaka, Ind.; five grandchildren, Dylan Kerns, Eric Kerns, Kaylee Cunningham, Maya Cunningham and Alexander Lee Kerns; his parents, Harold and Joyce Kerns of South Bend; two sisters, Sally DeCocker of South Bend and Della (Rick) Elkins of Mishawaka; and by his paternal grandmother, Mildred Kerns of South Bend.
Terry completed a four-year painter's apprenticeship program. He was a member of United Auto Workers Union for 10 years, was a 20-year member of A.B.A.T.E. of Indiana (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), and was a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast.
A time of remembrance will take place at a later date.
The Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements.