Banner Obituaries

Please refer to our extensive Obituary Archives for more obituary links or return to the Obituaries main page.

 

 PUBLISHED APRIL 9, 2003

 

William Ernest Kerns

Mar. 14, 1927 - Apr. 6, 2003

William Ernest "Ernie" Kerns, 76, of Hope, died Sunday, April 6 at his residence. He was born March 14, 1927 in Greenfield, Ohio, a son of the late William Ernest and Marjorie Jean (Parrott) Kerns.

Mr. Kerns married Monica Lundergan on August 17 in Washington.  He had been a producer of live entertainment programs for the past 30 years. The 52-year resident of Columbus was also a 52 year a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic church where he was a Eucharistic minister, lector and a member of Men's Ministry. He was the founder and producer of the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show, one of the largest shows in the Midwest. He was a former teacher for Greensburg Community School Corp.

The entertainer was Rollo the Clown on the Clowning Around Show for WTTV and a clown with Ringling Brothers Circus. He was the 1963 Country Disc Jockey of the year while at WCSI radio in Columbus. He was the author of "How to be a Magic Clown", Volumes I and II. The Army veteran of WW II was also a member of the U.S. Army Band.

Survivors include four sons, Ernie Kerns III and David Kerns, both of Indianapolis, Paul Kerns of Greensburg and John Kerns of Columbus; two daughters, Karen Tejera of Martinsville and Sharon Meltzer of Kennard; 10 grandchildren, Frank Tejera Jr. and Rebecca Williamson of Martinsville, William, Andrew, Evan and Katie Meltzer of Kennard, Daniel and Angela Kerns of Indianapolis and Sean and Victoria Kerns of Columbus; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Monica who died February 24, 2002, an infant daughter Mary Kerns, his parents and a brother, James Kerns. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday, April 9) at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis officiating. Burial will be in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus.

Visitation was Tuesday, April 9 at Myers Funeral Service, Reed & Jewell Chapel on 25th St. in Columbus and prior to services on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to "Friends of Haiti, c/o St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus.

 

RETURN TO TOP    

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 - Knightstown Banner, LLC  -  The Banner, PO Box 116, Knightstown, IN 46148     (765) 345-2292