Obituary for Kern Elkins
Kern Elkins, age 68, of Andersonville, TN, passed away on January 13th, 2021. Kern and his twin sister Fern were born in Knoxville, TN on February 8, 1952 to Luther Burl and Rena Elkins. After graduating from Halls High School, Kern met and later married the love of his life, Charlotte. Kern and Charlotte were best friends and were proudly married for more than 46 years. Kern was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He would light up when any of his of grandchildren were around or mentioned.
Kern’s path led him to serve as a firefighter and after many years he retired from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, having achieved the position of Commander. He was very proud to have been involved in such a distinguished profession. Kern had many talents and would take on almost any project. Kern built an amazing home where he and Charlotte had a great life. He spent his retirement working harder than ever at farming, because he loved it. Nothing gave him more joy though than spending time with his grandchildren.
Kern was proceeded in death by parents Luther Burl and Rena Elkins, twin sister Fern Stooksbury, brother-in-law Howard Beckwith and grandson Grayson Graves. Survivors include wife, Charlotte Elkins; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Dusty Coleman of Clinton, Amber and Dan Villeneuve of Andersonville and son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Leigh Ann Elkins of Andersonville; grandsons Porter and Dylan; granddaughters Campbell Jo, Annalee and Finley; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jackie Beckwith of Clarksville, Kaye and Sonny Robinson of Monterey, TN, Faye and Billy Anderson of Knoxville, Gerald Stooksbury of Powell, Judy and Art Allen of Lenoir City; brothers and sister-in-law Richard Elkins of Clearwater, Florida, David and Rebecca Elkins of Athens, Alabama; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen Foster Branum and Leon Branum; brother-in-law, Steve Foster and Tina; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; East Tennessee Children’s Hospital P.O. Box 15010 Knoxville, TN 37901 or The ALS Association of Tennessee Chapter 4300 Sidco Drive Suite #200 37204 Nashville, TN 37204.
There will be an open visitation on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 12 – 6pm with family arriving at 4pm and a service starting at 6pm at Trinity Funeral Home in Maynardville, TN with Reverend Steve Foster officiating. Family and friends will meet at Trinity Funeral Home Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 12:45pm to go in procession to Ridenour Cemetery in Andersonville, TN for a 2pm burial service. 865-992-5002 trinityfuneralhome.net
Kern’s path led him to serve as a firefighter and after many years he retired from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, having achieved the position of Commander. He was very proud to have been involved in such a distinguished profession. Kern had many talents and would take on almost any project. Kern built an amazing home where he and Charlotte had a great life. He spent his retirement working harder than ever at farming, because he loved it. Nothing gave him more joy though than spending time with his grandchildren.
Kern was proceeded in death by parents Luther Burl and Rena Elkins, twin sister Fern Stooksbury, brother-in-law Howard Beckwith and grandson Grayson Graves. Survivors include wife, Charlotte Elkins; daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Dusty Coleman of Clinton, Amber and Dan Villeneuve of Andersonville and son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Leigh Ann Elkins of Andersonville; grandsons Porter and Dylan; granddaughters Campbell Jo, Annalee and Finley; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jackie Beckwith of Clarksville, Kaye and Sonny Robinson of Monterey, TN, Faye and Billy Anderson of Knoxville, Gerald Stooksbury of Powell, Judy and Art Allen of Lenoir City; brothers and sister-in-law Richard Elkins of Clearwater, Florida, David and Rebecca Elkins of Athens, Alabama; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen Foster Branum and Leon Branum; brother-in-law, Steve Foster and Tina; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; East Tennessee Children’s Hospital P.O. Box 15010 Knoxville, TN 37901 or The ALS Association of Tennessee Chapter 4300 Sidco Drive Suite #200 37204 Nashville, TN 37204.
There will be an open visitation on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 12 – 6pm with family arriving at 4pm and a service starting at 6pm at Trinity Funeral Home in Maynardville, TN with Reverend Steve Foster officiating. Family and friends will meet at Trinity Funeral Home Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 12:45pm to go in procession to Ridenour Cemetery in Andersonville, TN for a 2pm burial service. 865-992-5002 trinityfuneralhome.net