Mauris D. Kern

Mauris D. Kern, 94, of Thompsonville, Ill., passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton, Ill.

He was born Sept. 29, 1918 in Ewing, Hamilton County, Ill., to Alvie Earl Kern & Grace (Fullerton) Kern.

He married Pearline (Crawford) Kern on June 28, 1941 in Herrin, Ill,, and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Martha Sutherlin of Greencastle; two sons, Dennis (Mary) Kern of Whittington, Ill., and Delbert (Carol) Kern of Thompsonville; grandchildren Tim (Debbie) Sutherlin of Greencastle, Tom (Tina) Sutherlin of Greencastle, Eric (Misty) Kern of Ewing, Chad (Judy) Kern of Ennis, Texas; Travis (Ashley) Kern of Thompsonville, 14 great-grandchildren Erin, Emily, Katie, Kristen, Scott, Sean and Summer Sutherlin, Kalin and Elizabeth Kern, Triston and Payton Estep, Nate Kern and Trevor and Owen Kern; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters and brothers-in-law Wilma and Eugene Upchurch and Dorothy and Claude Simmons, brother and sister-in-law Hershel and Jane Kern, grandson Shane Sutherlin and son-in-law Morris Sutherlin.

Mr. Kern graduated from Benton High School. He was a lifelong farmer and a lover of John Deere tractors. He attended Palestine Baptist Church most all of his life. He taught Sunday school classes, was church treasurer and deacon for more than 50 years. He served on the Corinth Water District Board. He loved his Lord and his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Larry House and Rev. Jeff Pulliam officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.