Darrell W. Kerns

Bill Kerns, 75, of Brimfield, passed away January 12, 2012.

Bill was born on July 10, 1936 in Ripley, West Virginia. A proud Army veteran, he served for six years, two of them in Germany. He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1998 after 37 years of service. During his employment at Goodyear, he was the union shop steward for over 20 years. He also raised money for United Way and delivered food baskets to the needy for the company. After retirement, Bill organized the Goodyear Retirees Annual Picnic. Bill devoted 20 years as a volunteer for the Brimfield Fire Department where he served as captain. In 1968, he became the first Advanced EMT in Portage County. He was also instrumental in organizing the Brimfield Fire Department Retirees Breakfasts. Bill spent ten years coaching both Little League Baseball and girls' softball and was an active participant in the Brimfield Athletic Association. He was a member of Northwest Avenue Church of Christ in Tallmadge. Over the years, Bill and his wife Shirley enjoyed numerous bus trips across the United States. He was a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. Bill spent many hours growing tomatoes in his garden and he took pleasure in decorating his house with lights at Christmas. Bill will always be remembered for his spirit of civic duty. He was hardworking and committed to whatever task was at hand. He could fix just about anything and his family thought of him as "MacGyver". He never met a stranger – once you met Bill, he was your friend and he always wanted to leave you laughing.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hobert Kerns; one sister; and two brothers. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Brenda (Kevin) Bable and John "J.D." Kerns; mother, Anita Evans; siblings, Keith (Patsy) Kerns, Debbie (Dave) Wilson, Jack (Sharon) Kerns, Dorma (Howard) Skinner, Linda (John) Jones, and Kathy (Cary) Owens; many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Bill's family would like to thank Dr. Mark Smith, Dr. Sameer Mahesh, and Kim Moeller for all the care given to him.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, January 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., where funeral services will be held Monday at 12 noon with Pastor Scott Baker officiating. Interment at Restland Cemetery with military honors provided by Mogadore VFW 8487. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brimfield Fire and Rescue Department or the Northwest Avenue Church of Christ Relay For Life. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com. (NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 330-784-3334)