William Francis McKernan

William Francis McKernan died Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Summit Healthcare Medical Center in Show Low, Arizona from natural causes. He was 74 years old. William was born on January 5, 1938 in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas to the late Hugh Terrance and Oletha Blanche (Lang) McKernan. At the age of 8, William moved, with his family, to Arizona. He was always a loving son to his parents and wonderful brother to his brothers and sisters. He has been married to the true love of his life and best friend, Joanne, for the past 52 years. Together they raised children who have proven themselves to be upright and honest people. As they say, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" and William and Joanne are living proof of what it takes to be great parents. For 25 years, William was owner, operator and printer of Pine Graphics Weekly in the Heber/Overgaard area. He was trusted by his peers and community and was a friendly and familiar face wherever he went. He, too, was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending church at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Overgaard and was willing to serve his fellow parishioners in any way he could. He truly loved the Lord and daily tried to live his Christian values. He really was a good and gentle man. He also was a man who appreciated the beauty of the community in which he lived. He loved living on the Mogollon Rim and, whenever possible, he enjoyed a good camping and hunting trip and also could be found spending the day at a favorite fishing hole. He truly appreciated the beauty of God's creations. This incredible man will be missed by many but none will miss him more than those he loved the most; his family. William is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Joanne McKernan of Overgaard, Arizona; 3 children: William M. (Debby) McKernan of Cottonwood, Arizona, Erik F. (Lorinda) McKernan of Overgaard, Arizona, Justin L. (Susan) McKernan of Windsor, Colorado; 2 sisters: Ellen Maglich of Litchfield Park, Arizona, Patricia Jones of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 brothers: Harold (Alice) McKernan of Tucson, Arizona, Ben (Ann) McKernan of Sun City, Arizona; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn McKernan. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Recitation of The Holy Rosary 11:00 A.M., Sunday, October 7, 2012 immediately followed by the Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of The Assumption Catholic Church, 3048 Highway 277 in Overgaard, Arizona. Memorial contributions to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3048 Hwy 277, Overgaard, AZ 85933 have been suggested by his family.