Eldridge Joseph Kerns
1928-2025
Eldridge Joseph “Boozer” Kerns, 97, of Paw Paw, W.Va. passed away Monday, August 18, 2025 at his home.
Born January 9, 1928 in Paw Paw, he was the son of the late Joseph William Kerns and Thelma Madeline (Robertson) Kerns.
He was a 1946 graduate of Paw Paw High School and had worked at Norton’s Grocery, was a sales rep for American Insurance, a telegraph operator for the B&O and the Western Maryland Railroads, worked at PPG Industries and was a supervisor for the WV Department of Highways. Mr. Kerns loved sitting at the Liberty station talking to everyone – both locals and travelers from near and far.
He served four terms as Mayor of Paw Paw, was a minister/pastor and officiated at many funerals.
He adored his canine companion, Bam Bam.
On June 27, 1948, he married Freda Virginia (See) Kerns who preceded him in death on February 3, 2020. A daughter, Linda “Peachie” Hunter and a brother, Donald “Pop” Kerns, also predeceased him.
He is survived by one sister, Ruth Robertson of Ridgeley, W.Va., and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 23 at the Paw Paw Church of Christ with Evangelist Charles Kerns officiating. Wayne Bradfield assisted with the music. Interment was at Camp Hill Cemetery.
Guy Sharp, Lloyd Smith, Buck Abrell, David Lindsey, Donovan Tanouye and Mike Bradford served as his pallbearers.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Paw Paw, West Virginia.
