Eldridge Joseph "Boozer" Kerns, 97, of Paw Paw, West Virginia 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, had worked at Norton's Grocery, was a salesman 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.

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, WV, a number of nieces and nephews, a host of friends, and his beloved canine companion, Bam Bam.

Friends will be received from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, August 22 at Kimble Funeral Home in Paw Paw.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 23 at the Paw Paw Church of Christ with Evangelist Charles Kerns officiating. Wayne Bradfield will be assisting with the music.

Interment will be at Camp Hill Cemetery.

Guy Sharp, Lloyd Smith, Buck Abrell, David Lindsey, Donovan Tanouye and Mike Bradford will serve as his pallbearers.