D. Ronald Kerns

Affectionately known as KARO the clown for 56 consecutive Zembo Shrine Circuses, D. Ronald Kerns, 90+ years young, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 13 at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg after a brief illness. Also known as Ron, Ronald, Ronnie, and sometimes Dr. (confusion with the initials D R Kerns) he was formerly from Lenker Manor in Harrisburg. 

Ron was born in Altoona, PA to the late Carl Raymond and Edith Marie (Orberg) Kerns. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1951 and then moved to Philadelphia to work for General Electric. Two years later he moved to Harrisburg to work for AMP, Inc. for the next 42 years. He married his grade school sweetheart Kay E. Vickery in 1955. She preceded him in death in 2010.

Ron is survived by a sister Connie Lou (Kerns) Lafferty and husband James of Myrtle Beach, SC; a daughter Vicki L. Geigus and husband Brian M. of Boiling Springs, PA; a son David B. Kerns and wife Kelly D., formerly of Morgantown, WV, currently residing in Laramie, WY; two grandchildren: Lauren K. (Geigus) Cameron and husband Caelin A. of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada and Kevin M. Geigus of Boiling Springs; three great-grandchildren: Elias V. Cameron (8), Avery E. Cameron (6) and Elowen R. Cameron (3) all of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. He is also survived by three nieces: Pam (Lafferty) Kovalchik and husband James, Sharon (Lafferty) Boyle and husband Tom, Janel (Lafferty) Shriver and husband Jody; and a cousin by marriage Dorie (Ebersole) Waddick and husband John.

In addition to being an active Life Member of the Zembo Clowns, he was busy in many other Zembo units and clubs, including serving as Potentate in 1988, The Royal Order of Jesters, the Sports Car Unit, Luncheon Club, Yacht Club and various other committees. He was also a member of Robert Burns Lodge #464, Harrisburg and The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Harrisburg. Ron was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Grand Patron in 2003-04, formerly of Capital City Chapter #146 where he served as Worthy Patron four times (twice for his wife and twice for his daughter) and currently of Harrisburg Chapter #552. He served on the District Committee of Boy Scouts, the Cub Scouts Committee and as Cub Master, the Board of the Lenker Manor Swim Club, and the Dauphin County-Swatara Township Planning Commission. He was a former member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Harrisburg and a current member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Harrisburg. 

Ron was blessed with a loving family who enjoyed spending time together, whether at family game nights, swimming at the pool or on a camping or beach vacation. He also loved little children, especially their smiles and laughter that he witnessed while clowning.

There will be a visitation at the Parthemore Funeral Home, 1303 Bridge Street in New Cumberland from 2:00 to 4:00 on Sunday, July 21 with Masonic and Eastern Star services beginning at 3:30. There will be another visitation time from 10:00 to 11:00 on Monday, July 22 with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 4700 Locust Lane, Harrisburg. Following the service, there will be a light luncheon served at the Harrisburg Consistory Scottish Rite, 2701 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg for friends and family. The graveside service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 6701 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg at 2:00. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.