Joseph Michael Kern

Published 2:43 pm Thursday, October 31, 2013

Funeral services for Joseph Michael Kern, of Natchez and formerly of Brookhaven, are 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at Brookhaven Funeral Home. Burial will be in Easthaven Cemetery.

Brookhaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday morning at Brookhaven Funeral Home, 849 Natchez Drive.

Mr. Kern, 69, known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren and as Mike to his family and friends, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at Natchez Regional Hospital after a short battle with lung cancer.

Happy-go-lucky Mike was known for having fun – he would go golfing, fishing, shooting pool and bowling every chance he could get. Mike demonstrated infinite patience to his grandchildren, giving them his full attention and playing along with tea parties and train sets. He was a terrific listener and was always willing to lend an ear to a friend or family member.

A graduate of Brookhaven High School, Mike was a veteran of the Air National Guard. He was retired after a 25-plus-year career with Entergy, both in Brookhaven and in Natchez. He was involved in the Home Builders Association and the Moose Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Gillis Kern, and two infant children; and his parents, Hayward and Doris Kern.

Mr. Kern is survived by his son; Michael Todd Kern and wife Kristen of Jackson; his daughter, Kim Kern Gardner and husband Charles, of West Monroe, La.; his grandchildren, Courtney and Carson Kern; his brother, Ralph Kern and wife Margaret of Orlando, Fla.; and his sister, Dolores Hoff of Brookhaven.