David Alan Kernan Sr.

David A. Kernan Sr., age 75, of New Athens, Illinois passed away on Tuesday February 3rd, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born on March 10th, 1950, in East St. Louis, Illinois to the late John and Elise (nee Hawthorne) Kernan.

Preceding David in death are his parents, John and Elise Kernan, his beloved wife Vicki Kernan, siblings: John “Buddy” Kernan, Robert Kernan, Barbara Campbell, and Betty Boyce.

He is survived by his three children: Brenda Bernhardt of New Baden, IL, David Alan (Kaitlin Jones) Kernan, Jr. of Alton, IL, and Amanda Kernan of New Athens, IL; Eight grandchildren Allan (Amber) Bernhardt, Brendan (Rylee) Bernhardt, Blake (Julia) Bernhardt, David (Jessica) Kernan III, McKenzie (Hunter) Gann, Aspen Kernan, Bryson Kernan, and Blayne Kernan; Five great-grandchildren: Baylor Bernhardt, Bennett Bernhardt, Ira Gann, Barrett Kernan, and Brayden Kernan; and three brothers-in-law: Leslie Hornbeck, Terry (Sue) Hornbeck, and Carroll Hornbeck.

David had a passion for working on old cars. Owning himself, a Chevelle and a Model T, that he was very proud of. He encouraged his son to work on cars, who is currently restoring a Nova in his dad, David Sr’s honor. In his younger years, David loved to go camping and fishing.

David was known for his notorious late-night messages he would send to all of his family members, usually at 2 in the morning when everyone else was asleep. Even after retiring, his years of working third shift at Cerro Copper, had him up in the middle of the night, assuming everyone else was awake as well.

David cherished his time he spent with his grandchildren, whom were just the light of his life. He loved watching them grow and learn about what they had going on in their lives.

A visitation will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208, on February 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at the same location on February 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm.