CARL EDWARD KERN III

Carl Edward Kern III, retired Flagler County Attorney, died peacefully on April 25, 2012, at home in Flagler Beach, FL, surrounded by his family. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio (1942), preceded in death by his older infant sister, Carol, his mother, Leah Serena Kern and father, Carl Edward Kern, Jr. Surviving are Carl's wife Joan Rucker Kern; his sister, Liz Kern (Key West, FL); his twin brother David Evans Kern (Katy) (Liberty Township, OH); his three daughters from a prior marriage to Martha Darst Kern (Miami, FL): Leah Carlebach (Josh) (Brooklyn, NY), Caroline Kern (Brooklyn, NY), Rebecca Kern (Jacksonville, FL); and his stepchildren Lindsey Nhoung, her son Veeda (Flagler Beach, FL), Corey Boehm (DeBary, FL); and his faithful dog Gypsy. Generous and kind, Carl was known for his intriguing life stories and adventures, which were great and many. He had an unique sense of humor, which continued despite his declining health. He loved his family, friends, motorcycles, guns, hot rod cars, politics, history and world travel. Carl's larger than life personality and his innate ability to communicate and socialize made him many lifelong friends from all walks of life. Adored by his wife and daughters, Carl was always optimistic and lived life to the fullest. Upon graduating from Wyoming High School in 1960, Carl received his Bachelor's degree from Wabash College, and entered the Peace Corp, serving in Chile. After working several years in the family business (Kern Nursery), Carl became a Foreign Service Officer in Vietnam for three years (U.S. State Department, Agency for International Development). Upon return, Carl earned his Master's in Landscape Architecture (Harvard University), and went to work with Sasaki Associates, subsequently becoming Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Miami. In his forties, Carl earned his law degree from the University of Miami (FL), then joined the law firm of Mershon, Sawyer, Johnston, Dunwoody & Cole. His passion for local government led him to serve as the Asst. County Attorney for Broward and Citrus Counties and as the County Attorney for Hendry and Flagler Counties. Declining health forced him to retire from public service in 2007. Other significant accomplishments Carl received over the years include: Graduate, Miami Police Auxiliary Academy; fluency in Spanish and Vietnamese; the Medal for Civilian Service in Vietnam; and the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for Civilian Service to the United States (Lyndon Johnson). In lieu of flowers, Carl has requested that contributions be made to a local homeless shelter, food bank or SPCA. He also requested that his family and friends vote Republican, at least once, preferably for this year's Presidential election. There will be a celebration of Carl's life on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Black Cloud Saloon at Thunder Gulch, Bunnell, FL. To be a part of the procession to Thunder Gulch, please arrive at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center on E Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL, at high noon. A memorial site has been set up by the family and can be viewed at: http://carlkernmemorial.blogspot.com. For online condolences go to:www.craigflaglerpalms.com "online obits". Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.