Todd J. Kern

Todd Jeffrey Kern, 64, of Winchester VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home.
Todd was born on April 5, 1961 in Winchester, VA, the son of Gertrude Golightly Kern and the late, Richard Kern, Sr. He was a graduate of John Handley High School, Class of 1979. He earned his bachelor's degree from JMU. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Todd's passions included history and raising and training horses and fox hounds. His farm, Valhalla Stables, is part of the land originally belonging to his 2nd great grandfather, James Dickson Golightly (1837-1929), from Glasgow, Scotland. Todd was very proud of his Scottish roots and his family's history.
He was an avid historian and enjoyed participating in and coordinating living history events, including videos for the Mt. Vernon Museum. He helped run Hupp's Hill Museum and Civil War Park as well as Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum. Todd was a long-standing member of the Turner Ashby Camp 1567, Sons of Confederate Veterans, where he served as a past commander. He was an expert in 18th and 19th century cavalry tactics, weaponry, and clothing and was involved in many living history events. He founded the Valley Light Horse living history group. He was also a nationally recognized horse wrangler and involved in movies including The Patriot, Gods and Generals, Gettysburg, Lincoln, the Legends and Lies TV series, and Secrets of the Arsenal TV series.
Todds love for tactics and horses led him into foxhunting where he became huntsman for Snickersville Hounds in Middleburg, VA and then became the Master of foxhounds of his own hunt, Valhalla Hounds. His friends affectionally called him "The Prince of Winchester" because of his deep connection to his community. He was President of the Board for Kern Brothers Inc. Todd loved football especially annually participating in the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl. Todd had a strong love for his family, animals, and friends. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Ameliene "Emmy" Bossung Kern; his daughters, Bridget Kenney, Katherine "Katie" Mae Kern, and Kelsie Claire Kern; sister, Alison Trevino (Ray); brother, Richard D. Kern, Jr. (Biz) and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In addition to his father, Todd is preceded in death by his sister, Ann Douglas Kern.
A funeral service will be held for Todd on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11am at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. Following the service the family welcomes everyone to the Interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester.
In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Todd to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2800 Millwood Pike, Winchester, VA 22601, or Turner Ashby Camp #1567, 2885 Gravel Springs Rd, Star Tannery, VA 22654. Also, for Todds children there is an account set up and contributions may be sent to Capon Valley Bank, 5511 Main St, Stephens City, VA 22655. Please make checks payable to "The Todd J. Kern Children's Fund".