Gail Mason Kerns

ALDERSON, WV – Gail Mason Kerns, 77 of Alderson, WV passed away, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Rainelle Healthcare Center, Rainelle, WV. Born February 24,1947 in Elkins, WV he was the son of the late Willard and Mabel Turner Kerns. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Wife, Helen Maire Kerns, son, 1LT James Nathaniel Mason Kerns, Sister Wanda Champ (Fred), and Brother Dale Kerns (Shelbia). Gail was a Vietnam POW from March 27, 1969, until March 5, 1973. SSG Kerns returned to the US on the Hanoi Taxi’s final stop. This is when he famously kissed the ground at Andrews Air Force Base on March 8, 1973. He was awarded a Bronze Star with a V-Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, and a Purple Heart with First Oak Leaf Cluster. Survivors include Bob and Kim Johnson, Brother, Thomas Kerns (Linda) of Utah, Sisters, Vesta Vandevander (Owen) of Valley Bend, and Violet Davis (Dale) of Alabama, Grandchildren, Brandy Taylor (Travis), Erin Bryant (Brooks), Maddison McGuffey (Andrew), Lilli Nickell, Carson Nickell, Great Grandchildren, Rylee Taylor, Colt Bryant, and Lucas Bryant, Daughter, Sarah Beth Groves (Jason) of Union, Many Nieces, Nephews, and Friend, Skip Cole. Funeral Services will be held Thursday May 16, 2024, at 6pm in the Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV with Chaplin Jim Groves officiating. Burial will take place in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of Flowers, please consider donating to your local VFW. Online guestbook can be signed at www.morganfh.net. Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.