Mel A. Kerns

Mel Alan Kerns, 72, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

Mel was born on June 2, 1954, in Ellsworth, KS, the son of Melvin Dean and Arline Anna (Hoffman) Kerns.

He was raised in Lindsborg, where he attended local schools and excelled as a student-athlete. During high school, he competed in both basketball and tennis, earning a state placement in doubles tennis before graduating from Lindsborg High School with the Class of 1972. After briefly attending Emporia State University, Mel began his career with Manville in McPherson. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced within the company and retired in 2017 after 39 years of service.

On December 9, 1978, Mel was united in marriage to the love of his life, Pamela Luann Shober, in Lindsborg. Together they built a life centered on family and countless cherished memories over the next 47 years.

Family was the heart of Mel's life and always his highest priority. Whether attending family reunions, gathering around the card table for weekly games, or enjoying summer afternoons by the backyard pool, he treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by those he loved. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, a celebration made even more meaningful because it brought family together.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Mel faithfully cheered on the Kansas Jayhawks, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. He eagerly anticipated each fantasy football season and never missed the excitement of March Madness. During the 1980s, he shared his love of athletics by coaching the Kerns Oilers and the McPherson Rebels softball teams.

Following retirement, Mel and Pam enjoyed traveling together, especially exploring America's national parks and attending the annual Outlaw Country Cruise. He was also a former member (1966 to 1974) of the Silver Sabres Drum & Bugle Corps in Salina and remained a proud supporter, always enjoying opportunities to attend their performances and events.

Perhaps nothing brought Mel greater joy than supporting his family. He spent countless hours in the stands cheering for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren at their wrestling meets and supported his nieces and nephews at their sporting events. No matter the sport, Mel could always be counted on to be there, offering his unwavering encouragement and support.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam; sons, Doug (Sydni) Kretzer and Matt Kerns (Ashley Hanson), all of McPherson, KS; his mother, Arline Kerns of Lindsborg, KS; sister, Debbie (Cliff) Miller of Blue Rapids, KS; brother, Mark (Carla) Kerns of Lindsborg, KS; nine grandchildren, Kaden (Kenya) Kretzer, Cole Kretzer, Mya (Drew) Carter, E.J. (Sandra) Kretzer, Luke Kerns, Jake Kerns, Trace Kerns, Drew Hanson, and Austin Hanson; three great-grandchildren, Emett Sawatzky, Viktor Kretzer, and Farron Kretzer; along with many cherished extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Dean Kerns.

A Celebration of Life, come-and-go gathering, will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at the McPherson American Legion Post #24, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family encourages everyone to dress casually. Mel will be laid to rest at the Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg.

The family suggests memorial contributions be payable to the American Red Cross and can be mailed to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.