LLOYD EUGENE KERN

Lloyd Eugene “Gene” Kern, 96, of Ewing, Mo., died March 24, 2025, at Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton, Mo.
Gene was born on July 9, 1928, in Palmyra, Mo., the son of James Lloyd Kern and Isa Marie Shanks Kern. He was the oldest of two children. Gene served in the Army during the Korean conflict. After leaving the army, he attended and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a teaching certificate in agriculture. During his student teaching, he met Beverly Boone who was teaching home economics. They married on May 25, 1958. They resided at their farm for the majority of their life together. Gene did teach agriculture in Palmyra for a couple of years, but farming and gardening was his passion. Gene and Beverly were involved with their church and community. In his later year, he was active in the American Legion.
Gene had a quiet yet quick wit and competitive edge, often found triumphing in card games, chess, horseshoes, and dominoes. His love for challenge was matched only by his passion for nature; Gene was an avid gardener and was known for growing huge, sweet potatoes. Gene loved farm life and took great pride in farming with his beloved international tractors. He also put his McGuyver-ing to good use by repairing things or even making parts.
Gene enjoyed game shows, with favorites including Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right, which brought daily excitement into his home. A seasoned traveler, he cherished the experiences and majestic beauty of America’s National Parks and the serene landscapes of Alaska and Hawaii. A highlight among his adventures was a special trip to Niagara Falls to celebrate his 90th birthday and his cherished 60th anniversary with his loving wife, Beverly, a milestone shared with the “Michigan cousins”. Gene’s vibrant legacy will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years; three daughters and one son, Diane (Steve) Almstedt of Gerald, Mo., Karen (Greg) Weaver of Martin, Ga., Glen (Kelly) Kern of Ewing, Mo., and Sharlet (Stan) Kroll of Saint Thomas, Mo.; grandchildren, Drew (Jen) Wilson of LeClaire, Ia., Nick Wilson of Belleville, Ill., Patrick (Leanne) Weaver of Toccoa, Ga., Blair Weaver of Colorado Springs, Colo., Lauren Weaver of Martin, Ga., James Kern (Meghan) of Ewing, Mo., and Isabella Howren of Saint Thomas, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Mia Wilson, Ella Wilson, Gabriel Wilson, Jacob Weaver, Elijah Weaver, Bambi Kern, and Zachary Emily. He is also survived by his sister, Juanita Ragar of Deer Creek, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Nelsonville Baptist Church in Ewing, Mo. Pastor Kenneth Clair will officiate. Friends and Family are invited to Gene’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, Mo. Pallbearers:Drew Wilson, Nick Wilson, Patrick Weaver, Blair Weaver, Lauren Weaver, James Kern, and Isabella Howren.
Burial with full Military Honors at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, Mo.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, Mo. 
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Resources.