William Louis Kern

William “Bill” Louis Kern long-time resident of Lakewood, California, passed away peacefully in Yorba Linda, California on Monday, December 3, 2018. Bill was born on November 2, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Laura Jean Sadler-Watson-Tippetts Kern.

Bill is survived by his children and their spouses, Michael Lewis Tippetts and his wife Sharon, Bruce Duval Tippetts, Constance Jean Tippetts and her husband Scott Crapenhoft, James Arnold Kern and his wife Sheryl, Mark Dennis Tippetts, Cynthia Ann Kern and her husband Mike OBrien, Karen Del Tippetts and her husband Benny Graves, Joe Ann Renee Kern and her husband Bruce Chapman, Debora Kay Kern and her husband Mitch Hansen. Bill is also the Grandfather of 27 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.

Bill was proud of the fact that he had attained the rank of Eagle Scout and dedicated many years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. He was a US Marine Corps Korean War veteran and worked as a Los Angeles County Sheriff Reserve Officer. Bill’s charismatic personality was a good fit for his career with the Retail Clerk’s Union (UFCW Local 324), in real estate sales and his volunteer work in public affairs for many non-profit organizations.

A natural athlete, Bill enjoyed many sports and excelled at both swimming and diving. He was a JR college all American football player at Compton College. His favorite travel destination was Hawaii, where he could find plenty of places to swim!

Bill was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his life-time he served as both a Bishop and Patriarch in Long Beach, California and as an ordinance worker in the Los Angeles Temple.

A viewing and brief service will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 beginning at 9 am at Luybens Dilday Mortuary, Long Beach, California  (562) 425-6401

A private family burial service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.

As you all know Dad loved Hawaii, to support that love the service will have a Hawaiian theme so please feel free to come in a Hawaiian shirt, Hawaiian dress or simply wear a Lei if you like.

The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401