Oliver Paul Kernodle Jr.

Oliver “Paul” Kernodle Jr., 70, owner of Flying J Ranch in Wabaunsee County, passed away Tuesday July 22, 2008 at his residence in Grandview. He was born September 27, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Oliver Paul Sr. and Ella R. (Grooms) Kernodle. Paul attended William Jewell College and later graduated from The University of Missouri in Columbia in 1960. Paul served in the United States Army in Germany from 1960-1963, was a member of the Airline Pilots Association and the Ozark Swallows. Paul earned his private pilot license at 16, became an instructor at 18, and for 21 years he served as a Commercial Airline Pilot for Ozark and TWA. He retired from TWA in 1986 and became a rancher in the Flint Hills of Wabaunsee County. He was active in several of the family businesses: Kernodle’s Lakes and Recreation Park, Bo-Jon Lake Enterprises, Kernodle Bros. Gas and Oil and Kernodle Investments. He was a man of many experiences and talents: a pilot, a businessman, an oilman, a rancher and cattleman. He loved flying, commercially and for pleasure, getting the nickname “Captain”. He was a world traveler, visiting more than 150 countries. What we all remember most about Paul, was his extraordinary gift for sharing stories of his travels (he could really spin a tale), his funny expressions, his love and care of his Mother, his generosity and most of all Paul never new a stranger. He really liked talking to people. Paul played the harmonica and piano, loved roses (red and yellow, particularly), he was crazy about pears and peaches. Paul is survived by his brothers and sister-in-laws, Jon S. and Martie L. Kernodle, Robert E. and Connie Kernodle, a brother William D. Kernodle, a sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Harley Thompson; 3 nieces and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. The family wants to thank his main caregiver, Donna Lambeth, for her strength and love and extraordinary care, and Susie Brubaker for being there for the few days Donna wasn’t. And, of course, we thank all the staff at John Knox Village Hospice. Their care, support, love for Paul and our family was remarkable. We don’t know how we would have made it with out all of you blessed caregivers. Captain, we’re going to miss you. You’re loving family! Funeral Services will be Friday July 25, at 2:00 p.m., at Stewart Funeral Home of Alma with burial following in Fairview Cemetery (southwest of Alma). There will be a visitation one hour prior to services, starting at 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been designated in Paul’s name for The University of Missouri in Columbia and contributions may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, Alma, 66401.