Charles Lewis Kern

Charles (Chuck) Kern 5-27-1938 — 10-23-2025 Chuck was born to Reverand Hiram & Mary Elizabeth Kern of Clinton, Ohio and was joined three years later by his sister Leah. He spent his youth being a typical rambunctious young boy, tormenting his younger sister and worrying his mother. They moved to multiple areas of Ohio as his father’s ministry postings with the United Methodist Church changed, the most memorable was their time on Kelly’s Island on Lake Erie where his father was the minister. Chuck joined the US Coast Guard in 1961 and traveled the world and served with honor as a photojournalist for 20 years. After his retirement from the Coast Guard in 1981, he moved back to St. Louis to be close to family while he started his second career at Defense Mapping ensuring the men and women in our armed forces had the most up to date maps & imaging while serving overseas until his retirement in 2000. 

Chuck never could discuss work due to security clearances; however, he would talk at length of his love of his dark rooms at different posts and his passion for the work he did throughout both of his careers. Chuck never considered himself a veteran although he served in the military for 20 years, he was amongst the lucky few not to see combat in Vietnam. His family will remember his stories fondly through the mementos he gathered and photos he took from far away places through his time in the service. He was notably most proud of the certificates displayed of his crossings of the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle both while stationed aboard the USCGC Edisto. Anyone new to the house who saw them hanging on the wall and asked about them would be swiftly regaled with the tales of those crossings and the rituals that surrounded them “that may or may not be acceptable in today’s Coast Guard.” 

Over the years, Chuck fully immersed himself in his love for camping, photography, Tom Clancy Novels, and Old Country and Bluegrass music, but will probably be remembered most for his devout love of St. Louis Blues Hockey and of course, Ohio State College Football. Many a game throughout the years found him cheering loudly from the stadium seats. 

In recent years, Chuck found his way back to his religious roots of his father and grandfather and found an amazing home with his faith family at First St. Charles United Methodist Church. We are forever grateful that they welcomed him with open arms and hearts. We know his faith gave him strength and a hope for what comes next.

He left his earthly bonds after a brief battle with cancer in hopes of a joyful reunion with family and friends who have gone before him. He leaves behind to retell the countless stories of his life, his beautiful bride of 53 years Jane, and children Eric (Londa) of Pflugerville, TX, Becky (Tim) of Ferguson, MO and Jen (Jason) of Troy, MO. His life and legacy will continue with his beloved nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who will not soon forget their “Chief”. He was a one-of-a-kind husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many who are forever changed for knowing and loving him.

 Per his wishes, a private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will be held. 

In his memory, his family asks that if you are able, make a donation to your local food pantry as that was something near and dear to Chuck’s heart.