Lindsey Lester Kerns, 79, of Jamestown, KY passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Russell County Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born April 1, 1946 in Russell County, a son of the late Luke and Mallie Guffey Kerns.
Lindsey graduated from Russell County High School and was then drafted by the United States Army. He served his country proudly, and during his tour in Vietnam, he was awarded two Purple Heart Medals. After returning from the war, he began working as an auto body repair man and developed a love for restoring old automobiles.
At the age of 22, Lindsey married the love of his life, Shirley Maxine Conner, on July 6, 1968 and they later had two children. He loved to travel, and together, he and Shirley kept the “wheels turning” throughout their marriage.
As a Purple Heart veteran, he was an active member of the local DAV organization, until his health began to fail. Lindsey was also a retired postal clerk, having worked at the Russell Springs Post Office for 20 years. He enjoyed attending New Victory Baptist Church. To all his family and friends, he was a man known to have a kind, loving heart, and was a “good soul.” Lindsey was loved by all who knew him and he will be dearly missed.
SURVIVORS:
1 son: Jeffery (and Lisa) Kerns of Jamestown
1 daughter: Angie (and Jimmy) Jones of Russell Springs
3 grandchildren: Dillon Downey, Michael Kerns, and Cory Jones
3 great-grandchildren: Aiden Downey, Emery Downey, and Easton Downey
1 brother: David (and Carol) Kerns of Jamestown
1 sister: Beulah (and Sam) Matzak of Ft. Wayne, Indiana
A host of nieces, nephews, & friends
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley Kerns; four brothers: J.D. Kerns, Edmon “Buddy” Kerns, Walter Kerns, and his twin brother, Kenneth Kerns; and two sisters: Shirley Kerns and Mary Ann Bailey.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Rick Neff officiating
Burial: Jamestown City Cemetery with military honors provided by the DAV Honor Guard
Visitation: Monday, March 9, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT and Tuesday beginning at 8:00amCT at the funeral home
Pallbearers: Dillon Downey, Cory Jones, Chris Kerns, Lloyd Kerns, Jimmy Jones, and Kelley Harmon
Honorary pallbearers: Michael Kerns, Aiden Downey, and Jimmy Mann
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the local DAV. These can be left at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
