Thomas Clarence 'Amh1 Thomas C. Kern Us Kern

Thomas C. Kern, 70, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away April 29, 2014. He was born July 25th, 1943 to Clarence and Ardella Kern and grew up in Stewart, MN. Upon graduating high school he enlisted in the Navy, serving two tours: 1961-1965, and 1972-1989. He served as part of the VQ-2 squadron, Fleet Air Reconnaissance, EA-3B Sky Warrior flight crew assigned to the USS Nimitz and USS Eisenhower, as well as the China Lake, Point Mugu, and Rota, Spain operations centers. After retiring from the Navy, he enjoyed a successful career in insurance and auto sales. He loved golf, dogs, country music, chocolate chip cookies, gardening, cooking, working on his cars, and the companionship of his friends, neighbors, and family. He was a member of the A-3 Skywarrior Association and attended St. Eugene's Catholic Church. He is survived by his brother, Terry Kern of Gibbon, MN; wife, Norma Kern of Oxnard, CA; his son Thomas C. Kern, Jr., of Colorado Springs, CO, and his daughters Rebecca Laprarie of Oklahoma City, OK, Kathleen Gustas of Oklahoma City, OK, and Jennifer Cooksey of Oklahoma City, OK. Also surviving are daughter-in-law Lucia Kern, sons-in law Michael Laprarie, Brian Gustas, and Coy Cooksey, and grandchildren Maya Kern, Margaret Laprarie, Andrew Laprarie, Grace Laprarie, Gregory Gustas, Ashton Cooksey, and Koby Cooksey. Memorial service will be held Saturday May 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK.