Richard Lee Kerner was born September 6, 1933 in Kewanee, Illinois to Matthew and Louise Kerner, and entered into eternal life on July 21, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. In 1952 he married Mary Jayne Hawkes, also of Kewanee, Illinois. In May 2018, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He leaves behind his wife and three sons, James of North Carolina, Walter and his wife Denise of Oklahoma City, and Bradley and his wife Paula of Edmond, Oklahoma, as well as four grandchildren, Kristin Cunningham and husband Barry, Kevin Kerner and wife Kylie, Brittney Kerner, and Richard Lee Kerner II. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Owen and Alec Cunningham. He is survived by one brother Terry Alan Kerner and his wife Linda of Illinois. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Mary Lou, and his brother Louie.
Richard was born at home on the family farm, the second youngest child of four. He graduated from Galva High School in 1951, joined the United States Air Force, and was recruited into the Air Police. Thus began his career in law enforcement. During the 20 years he was in the Air Force, he was involved in different areas of police work, including the OSI and the CIA. Duty assignments included Korea,Germany, and Taiwan. After his retirement from the USAF, he moved to Norman and was employed in a management capacity by Westinghouse, CMI, and Shaklee. He opened his own investigative agency in 1982, and was the founding father of OPIA, and later formed K-Mar Investigations Inc. Richard was featured as the lead investigator in the book Dreams of Ada by Robert Mayer. It is a true murder mystery, and can be found on Amazon.
Richard was dearly loved by family and many faithful friends. He had a remarkable sense of humor, was an excellent bridge player, loved good food, and was great fun to be around. Richard was constantly smiling, and always had something uplifting to say. He will be greatly missed by all.
Richard was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he has served as an usher, Junior Warden, and a member of the Vestry. His Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday July 26th, 2018 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with a 21 gun salute. The celebration of Richard’s life will continue after the burial at a Reception at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church 235 W. Duffy St. Norman, OK 73069.
Arrangements entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service, Norman, OK. Sign the online guestbook at www.primrosefuneralservice.com
