Russell Daniel Kerchner

OBITUARY

Russell D. Kerchner, 80, of Allentown, PA passed away at home on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. Russ was the husband of Judith E. Kerchner (Weider) for 61 years. Russ was born April 7th, 1946. He was a graduate of Emmaus HS. After high school, Russ went on to join the United States Navy. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served on the USS Intrepid. He was the father of 3 sons, Gregory, Steven, and Timothy. After his service to our country, Russ went onto serve the public with the Allentown Police Department. He had many roles in his career at APD from motorcycle officer, to detective, and eventually Lieutenant. Russ was also awarded Policeman of the Year. He retired in 1994. Russell loved all animals but especially his own, Tyson, Toby, Bear, Bella, Starman, Cuddles, and Nelly. He enjoyed all sports, but mainly all Philadelphia sports teams and Penn State football and wrestling. He loved all the company he could get on the weekends and all were always welcomed. He enjoyed taking care of his property from making sure his grass was perfect, to planting flowers, and gardening. You could always count on seeing him moving around and working hard. Russ was a friend to many. He loved his friends like family. He would send majority of his phone contacts a text message (or several) until somebody came to sit in his garage with him. He looked forward to Corona Sundays, his summer time picnics, the annual Daytona 500 get together, and honestly anytime he could have a party, surrounded with people, he was happy. You could always find Russ either dancing around his house or sitting in his chair on a Friday night listening to his favorite songs on Pandora. Russ loved his family very much and enjoyed being a grandparent. Russ was a dynamic man with a larger than life personality and we will never find another man like him. Russell was survived by wife, Judy, sons Gregory (Ruth), Steven, and Timothy. Grandchildren, Lauren, Bethlyn, Michael, Marcus (Nikki), Melissa, Emily, Jacob, and Kaley. Great Grandchildren, Nevayah, Gryffin Russell, Ethan, Raiden. Great Great Grandchild, Silo. The family will be having a celebration of life to honor Russell.