Obituary of Olin Gale Kern

Bedford – Olin Gale Kern, 85, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Olin was born November 11, 1929 in Lawrence Co. and was the son of Volney L. and Grace (Hall) Kern. He married Marta Jo Holmes on June 15, 1955 and this was their 60th wedding anniversary. He attended Fayetteville School graduating with the class of 1948. After graduation, he worked as a mechanic and painter prior to entering the U.S. Army on March 4, 1951. He completed his military service during the Korean War and was discharged with the rank of Sgt. On March 13, 1953. Olin was employed by the Monon Railroad in their offices in Bedford and Detroit, MI. He began his employment with National Gypsum Co. at Shoals in 1959. He retired in 1991 after 32 years of service with the company. During his retirement, he especially enjoyed attending various activities of his grandchildren, woodworking, rebuilding cars, fishing, and spending time with family. By living up to the “My Dad Can Fix Anything” family expression, he never lacked projects to complete. He was baptized August 19, 1941, and was a lifetime member of the Old Union Christian Church. A faithful and active member of the church, he served for many years in various capacities, including: deacon, trustee, teacher, and elder. In later years he attended Leatherwood Christian Church. For the past three years, Olin was a resident of Autumn Hills in Bloomington, Indiana, where the staff provided professional, compassionate, and loving care for their “Pa-Paw”. Olin is survived by his wife, Marta Jo Kern; two daughters, Julie (Brian) Waldo, of Bedford and Jayma (Ken) Ambrose of California; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Sarah Waldo; a sister, Mabel Henderson; nieces, Myra (Denver) England, Joyce (Bill) Burns and nephews, Kenny Gale Brock and Tom Henderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Paul and Waldo Kenneth Kern; sister, Elsie Brock; niece, Mona Grace (Brock) Cobb and nephews, Joel Henderson and James Drew Brock. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 24th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastors Charlie Scott and Sherman Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Union Cemetery where military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion and D.A.V. Chapter #2. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23rd and from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Thursday, September 24th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.