McKern, Richard Lee

Richard Lee McKern, 81, of Marion, died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at Heritage Acres in Cedar Rapids. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date by Dick's family in southern Iowa. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Survivors include his children, Terri (Joe) Burns of Eureka, Ill., and Mike McKern of Marion; grandchildren, Cara (Chase) Edmond, and their children, Cormac and Charlotte, of Austin, Texas, Keeley (Adam) Sullivan of Denver, Colo., Darin and Angela Burns of Eureka, Ill., and Trevor and Kelsey McKern of Marion; sister-in-law, Eloise McKern of Cherry Hill, N.J.; and his dog, Louie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and Bill McKern; sister, Pauline Hanthorn; granddaughter, Alyssa Burns; and his dog, Gus.

Dick was born Sept. 15, 1930, in rural Decatur County, Iowa, the son of Charles and Dora (Duff) McKern. He graduated from Garden Grove High School as president of his class. Dick married Barbara McMorris in 1954; they were later divorced. He owned and operated a Mobil service station in Leon, Iowa for many years, then became a beef salesman, which brought him to Eastern Iowa. Dick retired as an owner/operator OTR truck driver.

He was an avid sports fan, particularly golf and baseball, and was a semipro baseball player in his younger years. Dick played in a Dixieland Band named the “Four Saints.” He was always especially fond of his dogs.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Susan with St. Luke's Hospice, and the nursing staff at Heritage Acres.

Please sign the online guest book for Dick at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Aug. 17, 2012 in The Gazette