Kern Douglas Thornton

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Kern Douglas Thornton, age 97, of Frederick, MD. Kern passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 19, 2025. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Faye, and his sister Portia and her husband, William Murray. Kern was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, colleague, and community member. He was a beloved friend to all who knew him throughout his life.

Kern was born in Burlington, IA, on December 19, 1927, to parents Prentice and Theresa Thornton. He spent his early years in the Midwest, graduating from Burlington Senior High School in 1945 before moving to Wenatchee, WA, that same year. Kern began working as an orchardist for the J.M. Wade Fruit Company, where he met his future wife, Faye, in Okanogan, WA.

Kern proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 and served in country during the Korean War. He remained active in the Korean War Veterans Association of Frederick County, MD, until his death. After returning home from service, Kern joined the Great Northern Railway in Spokane, WA, and worked in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Eugene, OR. In 1961, Kern was transferred to Great Northern’s office in Washington, D.C., where he served until 1969.

Kern was then recruited by the federal government for his expertise in intermodal transportation management. From 1969-89, Kern served at the U.S. Maritime Administration, first in the Office of Ports and Waterways and then in the Office of Ship Operations. Throughout his career, Kern was a member of the Traffic Club of Washington, D.C., the Propeller Clubs of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, and the National Defense Transportation Association. Kern was also an instructor in ocean transportation management at the U.S. Army Transportation School, Fort Eustis, VA, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.

In 1989, Kern retired from a distinguished and fulfilling career. He and his wife Faye moved to Frederick, MD in 1992. Kern was a devoted family man who enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays, spending time with his family, renovating historic homes, fishing, camping, sunning on beaches, rafting in Alaska, and relaxing on international cruises. Kern was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, a volunteer at Frederick Health, and was a longtime active member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick, MD.

Kern, affectionately known as “Papa” by his family, is survived by his daughter Deborah Ann and husband Thomas Cera; granddaughter Teresa (Tacy) and husband John Phelan; great-granddaughter Carrigan and partner Sarah Strasser, great-grandsons Connor and Collin Phelan; grandson Brian Cera and wife Heather, and great-granddaughters Cameron Bellison and Harper; and his son Doug Thornton and wife Renée, granddaughter Alexandra, and grandson Chandler.

Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701.