Kern L. Pettit, 71, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Kern was born April 10, 1947 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Kern and Bertha (Cross) Pettit. On June 14, 1975, Kern was married to Patty (Shelton) Gordon.

Kern is survived by his wife Patty of forty-three years; five step-children, Kelley Clay, Lonnie Craig and Rhonda Casey all of Kirksville, MO, Chris Gordon of Novinger, MO, and Mike (Jina) Gordon of Kirksville, MO; four grandchildren, Andrew Craig, Chris (Kristen) Craig, Jared (Chelsei) Johnson, and Chelsey Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Annalese Craig and Lillie M. Boone; and one brother, Rick Pettit of St. Louis, MO.

Kern was preceded in death by his parents, Kern and Bertha Pettit; one brother, Bob Pettit; and three sisters, Dixie Sut6hers, Lola Graham, and Dorthy Graham.

Kern worked in the Transportation Department for the City of Kirksville, Missouri for thirty-two years before retiring in 2010 due to health reasons. He loved to fish, spend time with his grandchildren, and play cards with his family. Kern looked forward to the annual 4th of July Celebration and was once a fan of the stock car races.

Kern's wish was to be cremated and his family will receive friends during a two hour visitation, Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.