John Emmett Kernan

KERNAN, Jr., John Emmett “Jack”, age 90 of Centerville, Ohio passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022. He was born to Catherine L. (Duffy) and John Emmett Kernan, Sr. on January 31, 1932. Jack’s hobbies included fishing, golfing and woodworking. He was a huge UD basketball and Notre Dame football fan and would make an annual pilgrimage to South Bend with childhood buddies Tony Ciani, Pat Foley, Pat Lowry (deceased), his nephew Bob Hickey and of course his brother Tom Kernan (deceased). Jack loved his children and their spouses, watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time at his home in his favorite recliner. He attended Holy Family grade school, graduated from Chaminade High School in 1950, joined the Air Force in 1952 serving his country during the Korean Conflict and was part of Operation Castle in 1954. After leaving the Air Force he attended The University of Dayton earning a bachelor’s degree and then his MBA. Jack worked his entire career with Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a Contracting Officer on the A10 and F16 projects. Jack’s greatest legacy however was, along with his wonderful wife JoAnne, raising six loving children and showing them what it means to be people of faith and a devoted married couple.

Jack is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, JoAnne Kernan and his beautiful granddaughter “Jo Jo” Culp. He is survived by daughters: Laura (Charlie) Heath of Houston, Texas, Maddie (Dave) Culp of Toledo, Ohio and Susan Williams of Mesa, Arizona; sons: John (Beth) of Centerville, Brian (Jeanne) of Centerville and Tim (Jill) Kernan of Centerville; 13 granddaughters; 9 grandsons; 3 great granddaughters and 3 great grandsons.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave, Centerville on Friday December 30th at 11:00 A.M. followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.