Roger L. Kerns, 87, passed away on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 4th, 1939, to Virgil and Delores (Jackson) Kerns, Roger lived a life centered on hard work, devotion to family, and friendship.

On July 7, 1962, Roger married the love of his life, Helen Josephine Bloom. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four daughters, who remained Roger's greatest pride and joy. Their marriage was filled with laughter, dancing, dedication, and countless cherished memories.

Roger began working at his father's Mobil service station at the age of 16. In 1962, he proudly purchased the business from his father and dedicated himself to serving his community for more than four decades until retiring and selling the business in 2005. Retirement did not last long, however, as Roger and Helen joined the family at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Funeral Home after just one year. Roger remained a loyal and dedicated employee there until March of 2026.

Roger and Helen were well known for lighting up the dance floor everywhere they went. From the days of the Frog Hop to Mr. and Mrs. Dances and the many weddings of family and friends, the two could always be found dancing together in their perfectly color-coordinated outfits — a reflection of the joy and partnership they shared throughout their lives.

He was deeply proud of his daughters and sons-in-law, his 10 grandchildren, and his 8 great-grandchildren, while eagerly awaiting the arrivals of great-grandchildren number 9 and 10.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snow and water skiing, golfing, and watching football and baseball with family and friends.  Roger especially cherished time spent at Big Lake, where many treasured memories were made.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Delores Kerns; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Regina Bloom; his brother-in-law, Milton Bloom; his nephew, Milty Bloom; his nieces, Desiree Bowman and Cammie Pollard; his dear friends, Sonny and Doris McAsey; and many four legged friends, especially his beloved dogs, Brasha and Jetta.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; daughters, Angela Snyder (Christopher) of St. Joseph, MO, Monica Danbury (Jim) of St. Joseph, MO, Ginny Cunningham (Phillip) of Elburn,Il, and Jane Nash (Bob) of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Nicholas Snyder, Cody Snyder (Danielle), Benjamin Snyder, Kyle Danbury (Brooke), Brett Danbury (Taylor), Madison Garza (Mathew), Alexa Olsen (Alec), Gabrielle Merlino (Christian), Jack Cunningham, and Alex Nash (Kourtney); and great-grandchildren, Noah Danbury, Alyona Snyder, Logan Danbury, Beckett Snyder, Jensen Snyder, Liam Nash, Briggs Danbury, and Parker Nash.  He is also survived by his brother Ron Kerns(Pat) of Savannah, MO, several nieces, nephews and multiple great nieces and nephews. As well as members of the McAsey Family.

Roger will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for family and friends, his sense of fun and the kindness and loyalty he showed to everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the many lives he touched throughout the years.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Freudethal Hospice for the compassion, comfort, and wonderful care they provided to Roger during his final days.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 11th, 2026, with the Visitation to follow until 8:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel at 3609 Frederick Blvd. St. Joseph, Missouri 64507.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 1723 S. 12th Street - St. Joseph, Missouri 64503 on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 10:00 AM, followed by Military Honors.

After the services at St. Patrick Catholic Church conclude, a luncheon will be held at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel of St. Joseph in the reception room.

Private family inurnment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Memorials can be directed to the following organizations in loving memory of Roger Lee Kerns: Freudenthal Hospice, St. Joseph Animal Shelter, or to Masses.