Freddy "Butch" Gene Kerns

Freddy "Butch" Gene Kerns, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at his home, at the age of 70. He was born on September 22, 1954, in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Fred and June (Burns) Kerns. 

He graduated from Jay High School in 1973. Butch was exceptionally proud of his accomplishments, notably building the Salina Highbanks Speedway, which stands as a testament to his talent and dedication. His passion for woodworking and carpentry was evident in many projects that involved not just work, but also creativity and craftsmanship. The warmth of his spirit could be felt in the simple joys of life; he enjoyed selling firewood, working for his father-in-law Ed Pritchett's farm, bailing hay, as well as his long tenure working for his uncle, Charles Burns. He also enjoyed working with his brothers-in-law, Melvin and Gerald Pritchett. Through the years, he could always be found working along side his brother Jack. Where one was, the other would surely follow. 

Family gatherings were not just events; they were celebrations filled with laughter and shared memories that Butch treasured deeply. His love for his wife and family was unconditional and served as the cornerstone of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Kerns, of the home; his son, Roy Kerns, and wife Carla, of Adair, OK; his daughter, Melissa Kilpatrick, also of Adair; as well as his brother, Jack Kerns and wife Barbara, and adopted brother, Jerry Marble and wife Karen of Salina, OK. The joy of his life also came through his grandchildren, Kenzley Kerns and her boyfriend Cayden Phelan, and Raymond Kilpatrick. Butch's family bonds extended to his brothers-in-law, Melvin Pritchett and wife Judy of Salina, OK, and Gerald Pritchett and wife Tena, also of Salina, as well as his sisters-in-law, Patsy Hastings, Sharon Littlefield, Bev Goyer and husband Jim, Sandy Barker and husband Gary, Jeannie Pritchett, and Peggy Kirk. He is also remembered fondly by his aunts, Shirley Burns and Linda Burns, along with his niece, Marla Craighead, and nephew, Andy Kerns and wife Amanda.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and June Kerns, his mother and father-in-law, Ed and Marion Pritchett, and brothers-in-law, Gene Hastings, JW Littlefield, and Jim Lawson.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Ross Mayes Cemetery with Pastor Tyler Dezort officiating. Randy Pritchett, Richard Pritchett, Larry Barry, Tony Burns, Daniel Saffell, and Andy Kerns will serve as casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. Roy Kerns, Cayden Phelan, and Raymond Kilpatrick will serve as honorary casket bearers. To leave a personal message, please visit his guest book at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.