Todd J. Kern

Date of Death: July 2, 2025

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service

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Monday 7/21, 11:00 am

cemetery

Mount Hebron Cemetery

305 E. Boscawen Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Monday 7/21

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to
Our Savior Lutheran Church
2800 Millwood Pike
Winchester, VA 22601

Turner Ashby Camp #1567
2885 Gravel Springs Rd
Star Tannery, VA 22654

Also, for Todds children there is an account set up and contributions may be sent to Capon Valley Bank, 5511 Main St, Stephens City, VA 22655. Please make checks payable to “The Todd J. Kern Children’s Fund”.

Todd Jeffrey Kern, 64, of Winchester VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home.

Todd was born on April 5, 1961 in Winchester, VA, the son of Gertrude Golightly Kern and the late, Richard Kern, Sr. He was a graduate of John Handley High School, Class of 1979. He earned his bachelor’s degree from JMU. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Todd’s passions included history and raising and training horses and fox hounds. His farm, Valhalla Stables, is part of the land originally belonging to his 2nd great grandfather, James Dickson Golightly (1837-1929), from Glasgow, Scotland. Todd was very proud of his Scottish roots and his family’s history.

He was an avid historian and enjoyed participating in and coordinating living history events, including videos for the Mt. Vernon Museum. He helped run Hupp’s Hill Museum and Civil War Park as well as Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum. Todd was a long-standing member of the Turner Ashby Camp 1567, Sons of Confederate Veterans, where he served as a past commander. He was an expert in 18th and 19th century cavalry tactics, weaponry, and clothing and was involved in many living history events. He founded the Valley Light Horse living history group. He was also a nationally recognized horse wrangler and involved in movies including The Patriot, Gods and Generals, Gettysburg, Lincoln, the Legends and Lies TV series, and Secrets of the Arsenal TV series.

Todds love for tactics and horses led him into foxhunting where he became huntsman for Snickersville Hounds in Middleburg, VA and then became the Master of foxhounds of his own hunt, Valhalla Hounds. His friends affectionally called him “The Prince of Winchester” because of his deep connection to his community. He was President of the Board for Kern Brothers Inc. Todd loved football especially annually participating in the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl. Todd had a strong love for his family, animals, and friends. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Ameliene “Emmy” Bossung Kern; his daughters, Bridget Kenney, Katherine “Katie” Mae Kern, and Kelsie Claire Kern; sister, Alison Trevino (Ray); brother, Richard D. Kern, Jr. (Biz) and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his father, Todd is preceded in death by his sister, Ann Douglas Kern.

A funeral service will be held for Todd on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11am at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. Following the service the family welcomes everyone to the Interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester.

In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Todd to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2800 Millwood Pike, Winchester, VA 22601, or Turner Ashby Camp #1567, 2885 Gravel Springs Rd, Star Tannery, VA 22654. Also, for Todds children there is an account set up and contributions may be sent to Capon Valley Bank, 5511 Main St, Stephens City, VA 22655. Please make checks payable to “The Todd J. Kern Children’s Fund”.

Nanette L Sipe

Sharon Bishop

Diane Carlson Holland

ElizabethPappasLongerbeam

Kenneth Brand

Lacy

Tim Stotler

Steve Boudreau

DaveDelbecq

Kelly Ford

Tazwell McDole

Mike Kehoe

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Monday 7/21, 11:00 am

Mount Hebron Cemetery

305 E. Boscawen Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Monday 7/21

Memorial contributions may be made to
Our Savior Lutheran Church
2800 Millwood Pike
Winchester, VA 22601

Turner Ashby Camp #1567
2885 Gravel Springs Rd
Star Tannery, VA 22654

Todd Jeffrey Kern, 64, of Winchester VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home. Todd was born on April 5, 1961 in Winchester, VA, the son of Gertrude Golightly Kern and the late, Richard Kern, Sr. He was a graduate of John Handley High School, Class of 1979. He earned hisContinue Reading

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I just heard the sad news, my sincere condolences to the family. Todd, how appropriate they played the Corb Lund song Horse Soldier in your tribute video, you truly are an immortal horse soldier through and through. One of the things I admired the most about you is your pride in your heritage. You are, in every sense of the term and all it stands for, a Virginian, and like those who passed before you that you so gallantly honored, you stood up for your beliefs even if they were unpopular with some others. Rest easy in the shade and keep your canteen full old pard and someday, when we meet on the fields of Fiddlers Green, we’ll tack up Munch and Ashley, unfurl the Southern Hussar guidon, form ranks, and ride stirrup to stirrup again.

Just looking back on such a great soul today. I'm so saddened that we lost Todd. We all must recognize that he leaves such a legacy of honor here for his loved ones, his family and his friends. He was such a great man that one can only humble the prospects of being such a wonderful human while we are here. Todd set the bar for us. I will always remember you, sir. With honor, glory and respect, rest in peace my friend.

Todd was a good friend—one I’ve known since the 6th grade. We shared so many memories over the years, too many to count. But if I had to choose one thing that truly defined Todd, it was that he never held back. He always spoke his mind. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in. Todd didn’t care about being politically correct—he cared about being honest. He was a man who lived by principle. He stood firmly for the First and Second Amendments, and he believed deeply in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. To him, these weren’t just words in a document—they were the foundation of what it means to be an American. I don’t know what will be written on Todd’s gravestone, but I know what should be: “Here lies a son of the land of the free.” Because that’s exactly who he was. Rest in peace, Todd. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Todd. You did great things and were loved by so many.

I’m sorry for your loss. God bless the Kern family & friends. Todd was one-of-a-kind and everyone who met him is all the better for knowing him. He was a pillar of strength, a teacher, and friend to many. Farewell Todd! We will see you on the other side in Heaven!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

In memory of Todd J. Kern, Diane Carlson Holland lit a candle

In memory of Todd J. Kern, ElizabethPappasLongerbeam lit a candle

Rest in peace Todd…what a truly remarkable life well lived. Praying for comfort for family and friends.

In memory of Todd J. Kern, Kenneth Brand lit a candle

In memory of Todd J. Kern, Lacy lit a candle

Rest in Peace Todd, a life well lived, may the fond memories your family has of you sustain them during this most difficult time. I am sure that in that Grand Hall of Valhalla where all Warriors go you are enjoying a great time!

In memory of Todd J. Kern, Tim Stotler lit a candle

Rest in Peace old friend. So many great memories of high school with you at the center. You were a one of kind patriot and a true southern gentleman my brother. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Richard F Anderson (Ricky) JHHS Class of 1979

My deepest heartfelt condolences to Todd's family and friends. Playing with Todd in volleyball (I had to push him away so I could spike too), and supporting the team in flag football for many years, I loved his intensity during games, but enjoyed the conversations, bantering, and laughter outside of sports. (Not so much his driving after tubing down the river though! ;) His presence was always seen, his knowledge, impressive. Gone too soon, friend. May God carry your family during times of grief.

Loved Todd and the times I was able to spend with him over the last several years, after church services and at lunches. A truly great man with a love for people and country! PreacherDoug, Church of Christ at Mtn. View

I wish I were more eloquent, but I just wanted to say that Todd was my go/to person for horse trouble. If I was stranded somewhere with a horse that wouldn’t behave itself. I would call Todd. And he was galant! He would show up, load your horse and without a critical word, do what had to be done. I can’t count the times over in Loudon County with Snickersville that an individual, for whatever reason, after a long morning of fox chasing, couldn’t load their horse. Todd stayed behind and got the horse on the trailer . Didn’t matter how long it took. It might not have been real pretty, but you got to go home with your horse! It’s my wish that I will see him again in Valhalla!

My deepest condolences to his family, blessing to all for comfort and strength through this difficult time ❤️

Praying for God's love and peace to surround the family. Todd was always friendly and respectful to me and Arthur I was a Keplinger. He will be deeply missed.

My prayers are with all of Todd's family. Todd was a very special man that knew what values were important and never wavered from them. His love of history and the portrayal of it was a part of his everyday life. He made history and life itself come alive for everyone around him. But most of all he loved God and his family. Thanks for all the memories cousin, and you will live in our hearts forever. May you rest in peace. Love, Pam Kern Walling

Lots of great memories with my cousin Todd (most involved Jeeps, Apple Blossom, Lynard Skynard & .38 Special). He was a good man who loved his family dearly. May he rest in peace. My sincere condolences to his wife and children.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

todd i will remimber all that you taught me

Made wonderful memories reenacting beside you, there will be one vacant chair. Will will be miss Todd. Ride hard up there

More than a friend. More like a brother. I will be there for what ever you need. I feel very sad.

In memory of Todd J. Kern, DaveDelbecq lit a candle

Todd was the best of us. I really looked up to him. A fine leader and a true Southern gentleman. My deepest condolences.

Another ol friend gone. It has been my pleasure to know Todd and spend time with him both at his farm and as a member of the TURNER ASHBY Camp 1567 Sons of Confederate Veterans. You held vast knowledge on the War of Northern Aggression and I learned a lot from you over the years about this subject. Rest easy ol friend. You will not be forgotten !!!

In memory of Todd J. Kern, Tazwell McDole lit a candle

Todd, you were one of a kind for sure! I will always remember the time I made you cry - well, the movie I chose did - Bridges of Madison County - I loved teasing you about it :) You will be remembered and missed.....always.

We were so sorry to hear of Todd passing. May God comfort you and your family.

You will be missed Todd,,,,… A Good Old Rebel for sure.

So sorry to hear of his loss. Todd was a good friend of mine. He will be missed.

I was saddened to learn of Todd’s passing. Although our paths seldom crossed after high school, I remember the fiery, passionate and generous guy, who also had a twinkle in his eye, not to mention the epic weekend parties at his house in the 70s… Trudy, Rick and family- may the memories of Todd and the prayers from friends near and far bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Love, Tru

Todd, Dwayne Tomlin, my brother, Mike Alexander and Tom Wilson were loving known as the “Four Musketeers” by my parents. They could always be found running around together on the weekends. Mom often said that she would like to have a nickel for every hamburger she cooked for them! Todd was one of the pallbearers for my brother and both my parents. He was truly loved and appreciated by my family. I extend my condolences to his family. God bless you.

So very sad for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.