Thurrell Kerns, 80, of McAlester, passed away Friday, July 16, at his home with his family at his side.  The family will welcome friends at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be Monday, July 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel, with Ricky Kerns and Cameron Box officiating.  Burial will follow at Ulan Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Jake Box, Brandt Kerns, Joe Dale Romine, Justin Kerns, Sean Carney, Donnie Snow and Braden Kerns.  Honorary pallbearer is Dwayne Romine.

Thurrell Kerns was born on June 20, 1941 in Ulan to Buel and Arizona (Mason) Kerns.  He grew up in the Ulan and Indianola area and when he could, he joined the Army.  He served his country for almost 4 years before receiving his honorable discharge.  At that time, he moved to Dallas where he worked as a meat salesman to the fine restaurants in the Dallas area.  After a long career there, he moved back to this area and has lived here the past 24 years.  Thurrell also had a busy avocation, or hobby, pecans.  He had a pecan grove in the Ulan area and thoroughly enjoyed tending to the trees and making a harvest.  Thurrell also had musical talents.  He was a fine guitar player and pianist, and could sing with the best.

Thurrell is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Zane Box; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Lorie Kerns; grandchildren, Jacob Box, Cameron Box, Lynnsie Kerns, Brandt Kerns and Lauren Kerns; great grandchildren, Abby Box, Paislee Box, Asher Box, Mylee Box, Xander Box, Eli Box, Dallon McLeary, Izabella Kerns, Aleigha Whitley, and Brooklyn Boswell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dwight L. and Evelyn Kerns, Ricky Buel and Pam Kerns, and Joel Keith and Darcy Kerns; sisters and brothers-in-law, Naomi Ruth and Ronnie Romine, Darlene Romine, LaWanna Kay Weeks, and Gail Kerns and significant other, Mike McGirt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, George Allen and Lizzy Kerns and Jim and Ella Mason; a brother, Gerald Kerns; a sister, Gloria Carney, brothers-in-law, Lynn Weeks, Larry Romine, and Calvin Carney; and nephews, Terry Lee Romine, Jaelon Kerns and Randy Kerns.