On Saturday, March 17, 2018, Larry Kerns passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s at the age of 76. Larry was lovingly cared for by his family and the Veteran’s Administration in the final years of his life.
  Larry will be forever remembered by his wife of 55 years, Becky Kerns, daughter, Debbie Kerns Henderson, and his brothers Wesley and Ronald Kerns along with numerous nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Oklahoma, the son of George and Lillian (Phillips) Kerns, Larry was the youngest of seven siblings and predeceased by his parents, sisters Evelyn Haymes and Doris Kindley and his brothers George “Junior” and Howard Kerns.
  Larry joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and served in Korea and in active combat in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division “Tropic Lightening” based in Hawaii. While in Korea, Larry met, loved and married Becky and have resided in Ripon since 1968.
  Larry completed a long career with the Tracy Defense Depot in 1993. After retirement from the federal government, Larry remained active for many years driving the school bus and coaching softball for Ripon Christian schools and umpired for the men’s softball league at Big Valley Grace Brethren. Larry served the Ripon community for 25 years as a member of the Ripon Police Department, Volunteers in Police Service and was President prior to stepping down due to his illness.
  A memorial celebration will be held on April 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ripon Free Methodist Church, 218 W. Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366. Interment with full military honors  will precede the service at 9 a.m. at the Ripon Cemetery.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, April 7, 2018