Charles Joshua Kerns Sr., age 85, a lifelong resident of Gloucester, Va., departed this life on April 24, 2013 after eight years of residency at Sanders Nursing Home following a major stroke in 2004.

He is survived by Muriel Shackelford, his companion of many years; six children, Charles J. Kerns Jr. and his wife Gail, Debbie Kerns-Anderson, M. Vernon Kerns III, Norma Jean Kerns Edwards and her husband Bruce, Thomas M. Kerns and John M. R. Kerns; mother of his children, Dolores Wharton Kerns; 10 grandchildren, and two sisters, Eleanor Gregory of York County, and Betty McMillan of Florence, S.C.

He served in the Army in his younger years and attended VPI. As a lifelong surveyor, he worked on the Coleman Bridge and with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. He operated his own surveying company from the mid-60s until the day prior to his stroke. He was also a real estate broker. As a surveyor, he became a local historian and a great source of information for many. He eventually gave some historical talks to local civic groups.

He was a lifetime member of Ware Episcopal Church and served as a Junior Warden and Warden, as well as on the Cemetery Committee. He enjoyed sailing and antiquing. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 111 and continued to support the troop throughout his life. He never met a stranger and loved to share stories and knowledge with everyone he met.

In our dad’s memory, the family would prefer contributions be made to Ware Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 616, Gloucester, Va. 23061 and Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

An interment will be held at Ware Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, followed by a reception in the Parish House.