Edward P. Kerens, 94, of Hutchinson, passed away June 9, 2012, at Hospice House.

He was born Jan. 17, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo. He was the son of Dominic Kerens and Mary McClosky Kerens.

Edward was in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He worked as a hairdresser and owned Ed's Sharolyn's Beauty Salon. Ed was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Harvest House, member of Knights of Columbus and American Legion. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Reno County Courthouse.

He married Helma "Lou" Esau Ratzloff of Hutchinson on May 29, 1953.

Edward is survived by wife Lou of 59 years; a son, Paul Kerens and wife Chris, Leawood; daughters, Kathy Ireland and husband Marvin, Hutchinson, Kris Jandora and husband Tony, Martinsburg, W.V.; a stepson, Keith Ratzloff and wife Sandy, Manhattan; a stepdaughter, Marilyn Minks, Hutchinson; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a stepson, Ronald Ratzloff; son-in-law, Eldwyn Minks; great-granddaughter, Emily Roberts; a brother, Thomas Kerens; and sisters, Mayme Semstead, Margaret Halloway, Agnes Fowler, Theresa Glenn, Marie Coppers and Frances Waddell.

Parish rosary will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Cross, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park with military graveside honors conducted by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday with family to receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church or Reno County Food Bank, in care of the mortuary.