Victor Kerns

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Victor L. Kerns of Annapolis passed away Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Victor was born Nov. 20, 1954, in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla School of Mines in 1978 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering.

Victor’s engineering career started at the U.S. Army Aviation Command in St. Louis before transferring to the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2004, Victor and his wife, Sherry, relocated to Annapolis, where he was able to spend the last 12 years of his professional career at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, before retiring in January 2016.

Victor was known as an authentic and courageous man. He lived each day with passion, kindness and gratitude. He loved unconditionally. Victor never pretended to be more than he was, nor asked for more than he needed. And all who knew him were better for it.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Buschmann Kerns; his children, Tracy (Tony) Porzelt, Jennifer (Ryan) Morrison, Raymond Kerns, Gene (Megan) Kerns, James Kerns, Todd Norton and Russell Bergmann; and 11 grandchildren. Victor also is survived by his father, Valmor Kerns; his siblings, Pam (Steve) Klingeman, Patricia (Dennis) Webb and Tim (Merla) Kerns; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life for Victor at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bethel General Baptist Church, 32496 Highway 25 in Advance, Missouri.

There also will be a celebration of life for Victor at 3 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Providence Community Clubhouse, 260 Providence Road in Annapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Victor’s memory directly to the Automotive Technology Program at the Center for Applied Technology (CAT), North, where youngsters who share Victor’s passion for fast cars and high-powered engines can be trained for careers that excite them. Checks may be made payable and mailed to: Center for Applied Technology, North; Automotive Technology Program; Attention: Dan Schaffhauser, Principal; 800 Stevenson Road.; Severn, MD 21144.

Online condolences may be made at www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements were courtesy of the John M. Taylor Funeral Home in Annapolis.