SHALIMAR, Fla. — Lt. Col. Scott George Kern, USAF Ret,

age 70, of Shalimar, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021.

He was born on September 2, 1950, to Fred and Joyce Kern in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he lived and worked on the family’s farm until they relocated to Daytona Beach. Fla., when Scott was 16. After graduating from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, 1968, he went on to earn an Associate in Science from Daytona Beach Junior College, 1970, a Bachelor of Science from the University of West Florida, 1972 and a Master of Science from the University of Arkansa, 1981. He began his career in the USAF as a C130 Navigator in 1973 and retired as a Test and Evaluation Engineer from the 46th Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla. He completed Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College while fulfilling various MOS positions throughout his AF career, having earned numerous awards and medals including the AF Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the AF Training Ribbon, the AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the AF Longevity Service Award, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the AF Outstanding Unit Award, and the AF Organizational Excellence Award.

Scott traveled the world during his years of active service in the AF and Civil Service. He was stationed at Little Rock AFB, Ark., Offutt AFB, Neb., Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Travis AFB, Calif., Kirkland AFB, N.M., Hurlburt Field AFB, Fla., and finally Eglin AFB, Fla.

Scott is survived by his children Joshua Haynes (Teresa), Matthew Kern (Keli), Joseph Kern (Donna), and Bonnie Stone (Kris) as well as his former wife of 36 years, Deborah Kern, and 12 grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by Aunt, Norma Eikamp, niece, Susan Shea, nephew, Daniel Shea (Shannon), brother, Ronald Kern (Elaine), and niece Heather Fernbacher. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Wendy Shea.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Davis-Watkins Funeral Home located at 113 NE Racetrack Rd, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Please visit: www.daviswatkins.com to sign the guestbook, share memories and express condolences.