Jeremy David Kerns

Jeremy David “Cowboy” Kerns, a man who wrangled life like a rodeo star, left us to join the grandest rodeo in the sky on August 15, 2024. Born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on March 11, 1982, Jeremy spent 42 years crafting his legacy. In Dewey, Oklahoma, Jeremy tipped his hat for the final time, but not without leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and funny bones of those he met. A true Okie from his cowboy boots to his ten-gallon hat, he had a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, whether he was by a lake with a fishing rod in hand or breathing life into wood in his workshop. Jeremy's family was his pride and joy. He was the beloved son of Larry Kerns of Dewey and his mother, Anita Kirk (husband Danny) of Fort Gibson. His siblings, Ashley Davis (husband Matt), Kandis Correa (husband Pete), Emily Potts (husband Justin), and DJ Kirk (wife Adrian), could always count on Jeremy for a hearty laugh, an ingenious solution to any problem, or a partner in crime when it came to playing pranks. The title of “Uncle Jeremy” was one he wore with honor, showering his many nieces and nephews with love and laughter. Jeremy was preceded in death by his dog Boog, paternal grandparents Dave Kerns and Martha Kerns, and maternal grandparents Joe Swift and Alberta McCarthy. A man of many talents, Jeremy could rope calves, ride bulls, and carve a masterpiece from a block of wood, and reel in a catfish, all before breakfast. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his passion for helping others and turning trash into treasure. A faithful steward of the earth, he saw beauty in the discarded and potential in the overlooked – a trait that extended to his view of people as well. Jeremy was the embodiment of creativity, generosity, and faith. He could spin a yarn that would make you snort your sweet tea out your nose, and he'd be the first to offer you a handkerchief afterward. His tales of outdoor escapades were as tall as the tales themselves, and his ability to find humor in the mundane made every day an adventure. A faith-filled man, Jeremy didn't just walk the walk; he two-stepped it, leaving a trail of kindness and good deeds in his wake. He was the kind of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back and then help you style it into the latest fashion. His generosity knew no bounds, and his creative spirit was a beacon for all who knew him. As we say goodbye to Jeremy, we imagine him in Heaven, repurposing pearly gates into breathtaking sculptures and teaching the angels how to bait a hook. His laughter echoes in the wind, and his spirit lives on in every piece of reclaimed wood that's given a second chance at beauty. So here's to Jeremy David “Cowboy” Kerns, a man who lived life with the gusto of a bull rider and the tender touch of a master craftsman. He may have ridden off into the sunset, but his legacy will continue to inspire chuckles, acts of kindness, and the belief that with a little creativity, anything is possible.

Jeremy David Kerns

March 11, 1982 - August 21, 2024