Gordon L. Kern, 89, of Mayetta, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at his home in Mayetta.

Gordon was born June 21, 1926 on a farm in rural Mayetta, the son of Everett B. and Lucy (Hunter) Kern.  He attended Mayetta High School and later enlisted with the United States Navy proudly serving his country in WWII and the Korean Conflict. On January 25, 1947 he married Wilma J. Anderson in Topeka, KS. She preceded him in death on September 28, 2004.  Gordon was a member of Holton VFW, Moose Lodge in Topeka, AQHA and Mayetta Cutting Horse Club.

He is survived by: his children, Linda Maxwell (Gary) of Mayetta, KS, Debra Partlow (Barry) of DeSoto, KS, Rick Kern (Jenell) of Topeka, KS and Lori Toothaker of Mayetta, KS; his sisters, Laura Eigenman (Comyn) of Mayetta, KS and Carole Hainline of Mayetta, KS; his brother, Darrell Kern (Sally) of Mayetta, KS; his grandchildren, Brian, Kathy, Kelly, Kevin, Jennifer, Cliff, Garrett, Caleb, Travis and Cody; and his 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Wilma, Gordon was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruby Hartman and Mary Lois Huggins and his brothers, Creston and Cecil Kern.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in Mayetta Cemetery. The family will greet friends Friday evening at the funeral home from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holton Community Hospital Hospice or 4-H Heritage Complex and contributions may be left in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, 66436.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com