Merlin R. Kerns, 87, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Heartland of Urbana in Urbana, Ohio. He was born October 28, 1921, in East Liberty, Ohio, to the late Ray and Evalene (Beightler) Kerns. 

On February 17, 1945, he married Bettie Jo Wehner in Wapakoneta, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on July 1, 2009. Also preceding him in death was a sister, Annabel Boblitt.

Surviving are two sons, Greg A. (Carole) Kerns of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Steven B. Kerns of Bellefontaine; a brother and sister, Leon (Jean) Kerns and Goldie Watkins both of Bellefontaine; five grandchildren, Tim, Katie, Allison, Ric and Amy, and four great grandchildren.

A World War II Army Air Corp veteran, Merlin worked for Notestine Floor Covering in Bellefontaine. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, the Bellefontaine American Legion Post #173, and BPOE #132. Merlin enjoyed fishing and was an avid supporter of the Ohio State University Athletics.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 13, 2009 at the First Lutheran Church in Bellefontaine, with Pastor Jonathan Bull officiating. There will be one hour of calling prior to the memorial service at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church  208 W. Sandusky Ave.  Bellefontaine, Ohio  43311 or to The Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital  452 West 10th. Ave.  Columbus, Ohio 43210

The Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed from www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com