Thomas Herman Kerns

1933 - 2025

Thomas Herman Kerns
August 14, 1933 - July 19, 2025
Thomas Herman Kerns, age 91, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 19th, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 14, 1933, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of the late Patrick and Minnie (Schierhoff) Kerns of Darkwater, PA. A proud patriot, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951, serving three years before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1955. Over the course of a distinguished 27-year military career, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and served as an Audio Visual Superintendent and Photographer.

While stationed in Belgium, Tom met the love of his life, Kathe Wenzel. They married in 1959 and went on to raise three daughters: Linda, Debi, and Karen.

A lifelong advocate for education, Tom earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration following his military retirement. He briefly owned a publishing company and later spent a decade working in science editing-continuing to blend his talents in communication and education.
Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Kathe; his parents; and siblings Patrick Jr., Donald, James, Jack, and Rosemary. He is survived by his brother Robert (Brother Brian); his daughters Linda, Debi (and husband Charlie), and Karen; granddaughters Andrea (and husband Alejandro), Kinley (and husband Joe); and great-grandson Finn.
A viewing will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a brief service at 2:30 p.m. at the pavilion at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Tom will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to service, intellectual curiosity, and love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and kindness.