Kenneth H. Kern, 71, of Great Mills, MD, passed away on Saturday, April 18, at the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home, Charlotte Hall, MD. Born May 25, 1937, in Bethlehem, PA, he was the son of the late Sadie Mae and Earl Kern, and was raised by the late Velma and Joe Welsh.

Mr. Kern was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Pilkerton "June" Kern, whom he married on July 13, 1974.

He is survived by his step-daughter Nancy Lawrence, and son-in-law, Artie Lawrence, both of Leonardtown, MD; two brothers, Al Lynn and Richard Kern, both of PA; four grandchildren, Cal Lawrence, Michael Lawrence, Cari Lawrence, and Mark Lawrence, all of Leonardtown, MD; and one great-grandson, Landon Lawrence, also of Leonardtown, MD.

Ken enlisted in the US Navy as a Personnelman and retired after more than 20 years of service to his Country. He then joined the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Department as a Correctional Officer for over 15 years. After a second retirement, he worked as a Security Guard at the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD.

He was an avid Redskins fan and enjoyed NASCAR races. He was also a catcher on many fast-pitch softball teams - playing for both the Navy Team and many local teams - and was known as "Buddha".

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 24, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Memorial Service officiated by Father Joe Dobson will be held at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery on April 28, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.