Gerald “Jerry” Edward Kern, 72, of Jay, OK formerly of Overland Park, KS passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Jerry was born July 17, 1949 to the late James and Marceline Kern in Paola, KS. After graduating from Wea High School in 1967, Jerry attended Washburn University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army after his first year of college and served as a transportation sergeant in Vietnam. When he returned from the Army, Jerry returned to Washburn University and earned a bachelor’s in business in 1973. Jerry went to work for Bendix and retired from Honeywell as a Project Manager in 2006. He married Debra Weinberg on January 7, 1978 in Grandview, MO. Jerry was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Elks #2088 in Grandview. He was very involved in sports and loved watching any competitive sport. Jerry loved being involved with youth sports, including coaching his children’s basketball and softball teams. Jerry was an avid basketball and softball fan and enjoyed all aspects of the sport. Every year he looked forward to the family fishing trip to Bennett Springs. He enjoyed serving others within the community with various charities. Jerry was full of life and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, James Kern. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Debra; a daughter, Therese Maurer; a son, Christopher Byers and wife Andrea; daughter, Shelly Roe and husband Forest; seven grandchildren, Hannah Byers; Grace Maurer; Garrett Maurer; Leah Byers; Calliope Roe; Oona Roe; Archer Roe; a sister, Janet Trower and husband Dannie and brother, Chuck Kern. The family wants to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctor’s, nurses, and caring staff at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29 at the Amos Family Funeral Home. The family requests all family and friends that attend to please wear a mask. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.