David Bernard

David Russell “Poppy” Bernard, of Paintsville, formerly of Russell County, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022, at Appalachian Regional Hospital of Paintsville.  He was 80 years of age.

David was born on October 11, 1941, in Russell Springs, son of the late Jesse and Crella Jane Wilson Bernard.  He married Martha Burton in October of 1957.  He was an electrician for most of his working career, though from 1981 until 1986, David served as Russell County Jailer.   He and his family lived in Indiana for many years, where he was a volunteer firefighter.  No matter where he lived, his heart was always in Russell County.

David was the problem solver of the family; he was a “jack-of-all-trades” and could figure out how to do anything he put his mind to.  In his younger years, he could’ve been a YouTube sensation.  He was always involved in Little League when his kids played and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting activities.  David loved watching Fox News.  He has a great love of fishing, especially blue gill.  Dale Hollow was his home away from home anytime he could go and when he had nothing to do, he would love to mow grass on his riding mower.  David never met a stranger and loved to “pick” at people; his family might say if he wasn’t picking at you, he wasn’t happy.

He is survived by Martha Ann, his wife of over 64 years; his sons, Paul David (and Sandra) Bernard, of Mascoutah, Illinois, Michael Lewis (and Theda) Bernard, of Crestview, Florida, and Jeffrey Lynn Bernard, of Jamestown; his daughter, June Alice Blankenship, of Paintsville; his brother, William Paul (and Arlene) Bernard, of Russell Springs; his sister, Elizabeth Flanagan, of Jamestown; his grandchildren, Jesse Leslie Bernard, II, Stacey Lynn York, Tiffany Ann Antle, David Ashley Bernard, Paul Anthony Bernard, Rebecca Ann Wiggins, Tara Shay Gifford, Ashley Michelle Harris, Katherine Ann Wright, Michael Lewis Bernard, II, James Ray Blankenship, Noah Thomas Blankenship, Richard Tyler Bernard and Kayla Robin Bernard; and his twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, David is preceded in death by his son, Jesse Leslie Bernard; his brothers, Robert Bernard, Joseph Bernard, Jim Bernard, Charlie Bernard and Leonard Bernard; his sisters, Juanita Wells, Myrtie Edmonds, Henrietta Wright and Lela Jett; and his son-in-law, Phillip Blankenship.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m., CST, Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Bodie Emerson officiating.  Burial will follow in Lucenda Cemetery.  Poppy’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, from 6:00 p.m., CST until 8:00 p.m., CST, at Bernard Funeral Home, and after 8:00 a.m., CST, on Saturday, until time for services.

Arrangements for David Russell “Poppy” Bernard are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home.  An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfunerahome.com

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