Individual Details
Roy Knight Kerns
(14 Feb 1916 - 23 Jan 2006)
Obituary, The Oklahoman, January 26, 2006
Roy Knight Kerns passed away on January 23, 2006, after a long illness. He died peacefully in his sleep. He was born on February 14, 1916, to parents Edmund William and Odessa Mae Knight. Roy was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Dolores for 61 years. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a pioneer in radio and television at legendary W9XBY, including the earliest experimental color broadcasts and had a successful career in radio and television spanning four decades. He was also a fine band singer and retained his love for big band music until his passing. He was called to serve in World War II and was deployed by the Infantry in France in Patton's Third Army. Following his military service he returned to Oklahoma City and continued his career at WKY Radio and TV. The family moved to Buffalo in 1954 where Roy was the top-rated newscaster for many years. On their return to Oklahoma City he worked in Advertising.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers William and Herb. He is survived by his wife Dolores, sons Vincent of New York City and Philip Michael, Los Angeles and daughter Valerie Jane Ravencraft and her husband Paul, and grandchildren DanielIe Kirstin Tolbert and Peyton Avery Ravencraft of Oklahoma City, and his niece and nephew Karol Kerns Scavone and Greg Kerns of California. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose Hill Burial Park. Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral Directors.
Roy Knight Kerns passed away on January 23, 2006, after a long illness. He died peacefully in his sleep. He was born on February 14, 1916, to parents Edmund William and Odessa Mae Knight. Roy was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Dolores for 61 years. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a pioneer in radio and television at legendary W9XBY, including the earliest experimental color broadcasts and had a successful career in radio and television spanning four decades. He was also a fine band singer and retained his love for big band music until his passing. He was called to serve in World War II and was deployed by the Infantry in France in Patton's Third Army. Following his military service he returned to Oklahoma City and continued his career at WKY Radio and TV. The family moved to Buffalo in 1954 where Roy was the top-rated newscaster for many years. On their return to Oklahoma City he worked in Advertising.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers William and Herb. He is survived by his wife Dolores, sons Vincent of New York City and Philip Michael, Los Angeles and daughter Valerie Jane Ravencraft and her husband Paul, and grandchildren DanielIe Kirstin Tolbert and Peyton Avery Ravencraft of Oklahoma City, and his niece and nephew Karol Kerns Scavone and Greg Kerns of California. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose Hill Burial Park. Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral Directors.
Events
| Birth | 14 Feb 1916 | Missouri | |||
| Marriage License | 13 Jun 1938 | Jackson County, Missouri - June Burnam Marchant |  |  | |
| Marriage | 15 Jun 1938 | Jackson County, Missouri - June Burnam Marchant | | | |
| Enlistment | 8 Jan 1943 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma | | | |
| Death | 23 Jan 2006 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma | | | |
| Divorce | June Burnam Marchant | ||||
| Burial | Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma | |
Families
| Spouse | June Burnam Marchant (1918 - 1969) |
Notes
Marriage License
Roy Knight KernsAge 22
Birth Year (Estimated) 1916
Spouse's Name June Burnam Marchant
Spouse's Age 19
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1919
Marriage Date 13 Jun 1938
Marriage Place Jackson, Missouri
Marriage
Roy Knight KernsSex Male
Spouse's Name June Burnam Marchant
Spouse's Sex Female
Marriage Date 15 Jun 1938
Marriage Place Jackson, Missouri
Enlistment
08 Jan 1943Event Place Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Name Roy K Kerns
Marital Status Divorced, without dependents
Term of Enlistment Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Race White
Citizenship Status citizen
Birth Year 1916
Birthplace MISSOURI
Education Level 4 years of high school
Civilian Occupation Semiprofessional occupations, n.e.c.
Military Rank Private
Army Branch Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Army Component Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source Reference Civil Life
Serial Number 38395688
Death
Roy K KernsMiddle Name K
State Missouri
Last Place of Residence Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Previous Residence Postal Code 73122
Age 90
Birth Date 24 Feb 1916
Death Date 23 Jan 2006
Endnotes
1. .
2. .
3. .
4. .
5. .