Norman S. Kerns

Norman is survived by his devoted wife, Janet Stafford Kerns, formerly of Fredonia, N.Y.; his precious Bichon, Lily; his seven children: Barb Harris (Paul), Sue Lina (Bruce), Donna Mask (Randy), David Kerns (Cindy), Kim Osborne (Eric), Wes Kerns (Karen) and Kelly Wong (Matt), his 17 grandchildren: Michael Mask (Jamie), Ashley Richards, Rachel Carey (Jake Carey), Morgan Lanier, Taylore Runkles (Anton), Lucas Kerns (Alex), Morgan Kerns (Austin Mills), Nathan Kerns, Ian Coslett, Jake Kerns, Griffin Wong, Benjamin Kerns, Madison Coslett, Aiden Wong, Nora Kerns, Jordan Osborne and Ava Wong; and his three great-grandchildren: Colten Mask, Bo Mask and Madisyn Lanier. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Butler (Jim).

Norman (Stormin’ Norman) was born on July 10, 1933, in Altoona, Pa., to Norman Shubert Kerns and Anna Rebecca Sigel.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Rebecca Kerns.

Norman served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before becoming a captain for U.S. Air. Since his childhood, Norman knew he wanted to be a pilot and he had a long, fulfilling career with U.S. Air before retiring. Never a man to sit still for too long, Norman dedicated his retirement years to Habitat for Humanity where he used his passion for building and design as lead foreman for many projects. Norman’s greatest achievement was being a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a true family man.

There were no strangers to Norman as he made everyone he encountered feel like family. He had a firm handshake and a unique laugh. Norman was a presence. With bright blue eyes and a generous spirit, he could light up any room. He enjoyed playing pool, ping pong, building and designing homes and helping others. Norman spent his time traveling with his wife and teaching his children and grandchildren how to properly play any board game put in front of him. Norman had many interests and was able to see the beauty in the quiet moments with his family and the big adventures on a commercial aircraft. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will live on for many years to come.

A fellowship visitation will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at noon on May 22, 2021, at Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church at 9020 South Bay Lake Road, Groveland, FL 34736.

Those who cannot attend in-person may view the noon service, via live stream or video archive on Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church where Norman enjoyed fellowship. The Kerns family also asks that you complete a random act of kindness in honor of Norman.