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Robert William Kern, Jr. was born January 14, 1929 in Houston, TX to Robert William Kern, Sr. and Edna Frances GroSS Kern. He passed away at his home in San Antonio, TX at 5 AM September 21. 2014. He is survived by Ethel his wife of 66 years, four children, -Joan MoSS and husband Walter, Marilyn Rainey and husband Jim, Rob Kern and wife Melody, and Bill Kern and wife Debbie and nine grandchildren -Robert and wife Judy MoSS, David MoSS, Rachel and huband Chad Shead, Tyler Rainey, Matt Rainey, Justin Kern, Travis Kern, Bradley Kern and Logan Kern and three great grandchildren -Sydney MoSS, Brady MoSS and Wyatt Shead.He was preceded in death by, infant son, parents, Robert and Edna Kern, Sr., in-law's, Herman and Myrtle Dworsky. Growing up, his father worked for Chicago Bridge and Iron and they traveled a lot. He went to SChool in FL, VA, W. VA, Kansas, and NY. He would be at a SChool for 6-8 weeks and then moVe on. He met Ethel in the 6th grade at George Washington Jr. High on one of their trips back to Houston. After graduation, he joined Pipefitter's Local 142 in Houston and worked there until moving to San Antonio in 1954. He was a member of Pipefitter's Local #142 in San Antonio. He worked for Johnson Controls for 36 years -retiring in April 1986. Robert had many hobbies. In 1958 he Won State Championship in a pistol match. -winning16 medals. He loved scuba diving and snorkeling. He was interested in lapidary work and made his oWn faceting machine. A jeweler at Joske's saw Some of the work he did and wanted to hire him to do their repair work. Loved archery and made his oWn arroWS. Interested in ham radio and talked to people allover the world -call letters WA5SLD a friend told him that meant "SloW lazy dog". Hunting and fishing were also favorite pastimes. He built a Scooter and an airboat. He also had a Sea Ray for fishing in the gulf. In 1963 he moved to his present home. He wired the houSe and did a lot of work on the hoUSe. Built rock walls all around the patio and on the hillside. Always was able to repair everything and it was very hard for him to give that up when he loSt his eyesight due to macular degeneration. He built muzzleloaders from scratch -would buy a blank stock and a barrel and make his oWn gun. Then he found he loved to make custom knives. He made folders, Bowie knives etc. He had poWer hammers and made his oWn Damascus steel. His knives were beautiful and perfect. He loved to have a vegetable garden and also grew adeniums. Family time was special and his smoked turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas was wonderful. His BBQ and special sauce were So good. He loved all of his family in-Iaws as if they were his oWn children. All were special. We will all miss him So much.

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Robert William Kern, Jr

January 14, 1929 - September 21, 2014