Wheeler D. Howard Jr.

DAVIDSON – Wheeler Durett Howard Jr., 81, of Davidson, died April 13, 2012.

Born May 22, 1930, in Lincoln County, he was a son of the late Wheeler D. Howard and Neffie McConnell Howard. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Germany from 1952 to 1954. He worked for Johnson Motor Line and retired from Continental Tire.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Betty Lee Henderson Howard; two grandchildren, Matthew Thornton and Bonnie Mahan; and his brother, Charles Howard.

Survivors include his daughter, Teresa H. Thornton and husband, Joe, of Denver;  son, Robert J. Howard, of Mooresville; grandchildren, Mark A. Thornton of Cornelius, Heather Deslauriers and husband, Jesse, of Mooresville, and Megan Brennan and husband, Shaun, of Mooresville; three great-grandchildren: Bonnie, Gavin and Matthew; and sister, Violet Overcash.

Services were held Monday, April 16, at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, with the Rev. Rick Felts officiating. Interment followed at Northlake Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Francis M. Kerns

CHARLOTTE – Francis Melvin Kerns, 87, of Charlotte, died April 14, 2012, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

Born Sept. 24, 1924, in Mecklenburg County, he was a son to the late Harper Craven and Bertha Alexander Kerns. He worked for 30 years at Kroehler Manufacturing in quality control. Kerns was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Scercy Kerns.

Survivors include his sons, Larry and wife, Pam, of Denton, Mike and wife, Linda, of Henderson, and Rick and wife, Donna, of Mooresville; daughter, Wanda Davis and husband, Neal, of Charlotte; brothers, Charles, of Concord, and Harold, of Cornelius; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were held April 17 at Trinity United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Wade Ogle and Shelton Davis officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078 or Trinity UMC Cemetery Fund, 6230 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.

James Funeral Home, Huntersville, served the family.

Branden Carpenter

CORNELIUS – Branden Carpenter, 24, of Cornelius, died April 13, 2012.

Services were held Wednesday, April 25, at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville.

Floyd C. Lisk

HUNTERSVILLE – Floyd Curtis Lisk, 76, of Huntersville, died April 15, 2012, at Presbyterian Hospital.

Born March 18, 1936, in Mecklenburg County, he was a son to the late Howard and Bessie Lisk.

Survivors include his wife, Aileen Black Lisk; son, Donnie and wife, Donja, of Fort Mill, S.C.; daughter, Anna Parks and husband, Keith, of Huntersville; sister, Emily Little and husband, Randy, of Charlotte; uncle, Brice Lisk, of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Betty Jones; seven grandchildren, Dillon, Danielle, Davis, Dakota, Caleb, Olivia and Natalie; nephews, Rodney and Marc; and niece, Donna.

Services were held April 18 at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, with the Revs. Allan Purtill and Donald Lisk officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

James Funeral Home, Huntersville, served the family.