Dan Kern Obituary
Dan Kemp Kern, age 89, of Star passed away on January 20, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House.
Mr. Kern was born on March 9, 1936, in Montgomery County to Richard Daniel and Alice Needham Kern. He served his country in the US Army with the 2nd Armored Division in Europe from 1954-1956. Dan was a life member of the VFW Post in Rockingham, the American Legion Post 0092 in Mt. Gilead, as well as a member of the Biscoe Masonic Lodge # 0437 and a former Scout Leader for Dover Troop 61. Dan worked for many years in the Maintenance Department for Montgomery County Schools until his retirement.
In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters and father in-law and mother in-law Bill and Minnie Dunlap.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Dunlap Kern of the home, son Daniel Kern (Ashley) of Star, granddaughters Ava Grace and Evelyn Faith Kern, sister Janice Trotter, sister's in-law Mary Spivey Dunlap and Ruth Hussey, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Phillips Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026. at Star United Methodist Church at 11:00 am with Rev. Haley Capps, Rev. Jay Bissett and Rev. David Beck officiating. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Christian Church Cemetery with military honors by Randolph County Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfh.com.
The Kern family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
216 S. Main St., Star, NC 27356
People and places connected with Dan
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Dan Kern
Make a Donation
in Dan Kern's name
How to support Dan's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dan Kern's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
