Truman Kerns

MATTOON – Truman G. "Ook" Kerns, 90, of Mattoon, formerly of Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Mattoon Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.

His graveside funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Ashmore Cemetery with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating.  Military rites will be performed by Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592 and the Charleston American Legion.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE DIRECT TO MEMORIALS TO THE COLES COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER OR     THE COLES COUNTY VETERANS SUPPORT COALITION.

Truman was born June 18, 1927 at Charleston, son of Grover Truman and Guineth (Hopkins) Kerns.  He married Jean "Katie" Keigley, May 31, 1947 at Corinth, MS; she survives.  They would have celebrated their 71 ^st wedding anniversary in May.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister: Sharon Sankins.

Truman was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving with Combat Engineers in the South Pacific.  He was a member of the former New Hope Kickapoo Baptist Church, the Paris V.F.W., and the Marshall American Legion.  Truman was a 32 ^nd Degree Mason of the Danville Consistory, and the Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles.  He had worked as a building contractor in the Los Angeles area before retiring.