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The family of Thomas Charles Kerns is saddened to announce his passing at the age of 83 on Sept. 22, 2026, in Chesapeake, Va.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Janet Marie; his children: Christine Lynn (Marco), Thomas Hutchison (Elizabeth) and Timothy Andrew (Cathy); six grandchildren: Thomas Hutchison (Sofie), Elliott McGill, Gillian McCoy, Caroline Grace, Lewis Young and Hana Christine; and two great-grandchildren, Thomas Hutchison and Walter John; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Tom was born in Altoona, to Weldon and Ruth (Creighton) Kerns, the middle son in a family of three boys. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Leroy and John.
Tom was proud of his hometown and had countless stories of his time at Keith Junior High and Altoona High School, where he stood out on the gridiron. In 2006, he was inducted into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame. Tom often shared fond memories of Altoona cuisine: Scrapple, Texas Hot Dogs and the Meadows.
Among his greatest accomplishments was graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a three-year starter for the Black Knights football team (Beat Navy!). His fellow teammates were his closest lifelong friends. He was also proud that, during his four years at West Point, he never "walked the area," a punishment reserved for various rule infractions, and that Army beat Penn State every year he played.
Tom was a graduate of the grueling U.S. Army Ranger School, and he carried his Ranger Tab with immense pride. He was honored to be a soldier in the 82nd Airborne division and, for his service in Vietnam, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Gallantry Cross with Silver Star Device (South Vietnam) and Bronze Star Medal with "V" device.
Tom passed on a sense of adventure to his family that likely started with hikes up Wopsy (Wopsononock Mountain) and included getting lost in the Pisgah National Forest. There are many fond memories of family canoe and bicycling trips. He will always be remembered for his big smile, warm hugs and sense of mischievousness. Well done, Tom, be at peace.
A Celebration of Life Service with Army Military Funeral Honors will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in the chapel of Oman Funeral Home and
Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Va.
Tom will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Cemetery, 5310 Milner's Road, Suffolk, Va.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, The American Legion or the charity of one's choice.
OmanFH.com