Robert W. Kern

Robert was one of the youngest World War II veterans, as the war ended while he was in basic training as an Army paratrooper. He liked to tell us he kept the Nazi hoard out of Fort Benning, GA.

He married the love of his life, Sue Alice McKinney, in 1951. They met at Central State College, now UCO, where they both graduated. They celebrated their 70th anniversary on September 13, 2021.

Robert worked as a salesman for Similac, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, and Rent-It Company before opening Kern Tackle Company (OKC Bass Pro) from 1985-2001. Along with running his own business, Robert was a lifetime member of the Executive Success Club where he enjoyed spending time with fellow members.

Robert was an avid quail hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He loved to camp with family and friends and enjoyed waterskiing on the Oklahoma lakes. Robert was always the unofficial photographer of the group and loved capturing memories through photos. He loved to cook BBQ for family and friends and was well known for his story telling and sense of humor.

Robert and Sue planned to spend their retirement years traveling the United States; however, complications from knee replacement surgery lead to him losing his leg and other health conditions. But he was able to live at home, watch his grandsons grow up, and enjoy the company of his great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucy Kern; brother, John Edward Kern; and sisters, Ruth Wagner and Nancy Bawden. He is survived by his wife, Sue Kern; daughter, Joan Ackley and husband David (Yukon); son, Shane Kern and wife Sharon (OKC); grandsons: Andrew Elrod (OKC), Kristopher Kern and wife Amber (OKC), Cody Kern and wife Sarah (Tulsa), and Derek Ackley and wife Tia (Bethany); and great-grandchildren: Abbigail Ackley, Oliver Kern, and Cass Kern.