Dan Kemp Kern

Dan Kemp Kern, age 89, of Star passed away on January 20, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House.

Mr. Kern was born on March 9, 1936, in Montgomery County to Richard Daniel and Alice Needham Kern. He served his country in the US Army with the 2nd Armored Division in Europe from 1954-1956. Dan was a life member of the VFW Post in Rockingham, the American Legion Post 0092 in Mt. Gilead, as well as a member of the Biscoe Masonic Lodge # 0437 and a former Scout Leader for Dover Troop 61. Dan worked for many years in the Maintenance Department for Montgomery County Schools until his retirement.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters and father in-law and mother in-law Bill and Minnie Dunlap.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Dunlap Kern of the home, son Daniel Kern (Ashley) of Star, granddaughters Ava Grace and Evelyn Faith Kern, sister Janice Trotter, sister's in-law Mary Spivey Dunlap and Ruth Hussey, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Phillips Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026. at Star United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Haley Capps, Rev. Jay Bissett and Rev. David Beck officiating. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Christian Church Cemetery with military honors by Randolph County Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfh.com.

The Kern family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.