Richard “Dick” Merrel Kernodle, 88, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18th, 2016 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, WA.

Dick was born Nov 21, 1927 to Lawrence and Mary Kernodle in North Salem, Indiana, where he grew up loving his life on the family farm.

Dick was a motor machinist in the US Navy and spent time in Okinawa during WWII.  He received his degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1952, and married Lela that same summer.  During their 61 year marriage, Dick and Lela lived in many different parts of the country before coming to Richland in 1975.  He retired from Westinghouse Hanford in 1988.

Dick's yearly deer and elk hunting trips with his best friend, Bob Brawdy, were ritual.  He loved tractors, traveling, woodworking, maintaining "all" his vehicles, and BBQ's with family and friends.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Mary Olson of Richland; Lisa Mead of 
West Richland; son, Kenneth (Julie) Kernodle of Longview, WA; daughter-in-law, Becky Kernodle of Salt Lake City, UT; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lela; son, Michael Kernodle; and grandson, Daniel Kernodle.

The family would like to give special thanks to Carie Squires for her continued care of our family members.  Thank you, also, to all the staff at KMC for their great care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.