Robert Leroy Kern Jr. peacefully went home to our Lord on May 4, 2025. Born on August 19, 1962, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Hays, Kansas, Robert spent his early years in Palco before later moving to Plainville, where he resided at Country Lane Apartments. He also briefly lived in Coffeyville with his beloved Grandmother Runyan.
Robert graduated from Palco High School, having attended several schools in northwest Kansas, most notably USD 269 Palco, Zurich, and Damar. He often recounted memories of high school athletics, including his favorite role as Palco Team Manager.
Though he had no children of his own, Robert poured his love and energy into his nieces, nephews, and their children. Walks in Palco, buying ice cream and candy, and sharing simple joys with them were among his greatest pleasures. His grandnephews, Jason and Travis, and grandniece, Atticus, held a particularly special place in his heart, lighting up his voice whenever he spoke of them.
Robert celebrated his family through acts of service and had an amazing sense of humor—almost too amazing. He spent much of his free time helping in the community, rarely missed a PHS sporting event, and made a point to attend many funerals, honoring the lives of friends and family.
A particularly close bond connected Robert and his parents. Later in life, he became their primary caregiver, spending countless days with them including an almost daily vigil as they settled into Redbud Village.
Robert loved to work, particularly in grocery stores and restaurants. His favorite places included the family businesses—Kern Store, Dry Goods, and Cafe—as well as Casey's and Average Joe's in Hill City, where he felt right at home. He also loved to travel to surrounding communities to visit. He finally retired when his health took a turn for the worse but continued to keep in touch, spending countless hours on the phone calling and texting family and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert Kern SR of Palco; his mother, Patricia Runyan of Plainville; Uncle Henry Kern of Palco; Aunt Clarice Mills of Pampa, TX; and grandparents.
Robert leaves behind so many that loved him dearly, including his brothers, Paul of Trinidad, TX, and David of Colby, KS. His loving Aunt Pam Young (Richard) of Van Buren, AR, was very close to him. A special place in his heart goes to his nieces, Krissen Kern-Hamm (Michael) of Corsicana, TX, Mallory Kern of Dallas, TX, and Miranda Kern of Dallas, TX, as well as his nephew, Bradley Kern of Denver, CO, whom he inquired about often. It goes without saying that Robert left behind countless friends and family, each a cherished connection that he communicated with constantly. To him, everyone was a friend.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar. A reception will follow at the McKenna Center in Palco.
Memorials are suggested to Palco High School Athletics and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com