Obituary of Robert "Bob" Korns

Robert “Bob” Allen Korns, age 72, died on December 11, 2024 in Lexington, KY, after a brief complication with his heart. Bob was cared for and respected by the staff at the VA Medical Center and the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington. The nursing professionals very quickly came to love Bob and their devotion to him and his family were unmatched. He shared with one of his nurses, Brittany, that he made plenty of mistakes in life and probably agitated a few people along the way but he had no regrets. He lived a beautiful life.

Bob was the son of the late Dudley Korns and late Augusta (Kenny) Van Sickle. Bob was the oldest child with three brothers and one “favorite” sister.

At 18 years old, he left home to serve the United States Army, honorably. Bob continued traveling and graduated culinary school, earning the designation as Executive Chef. He worked in many kitchens but amongst his favorites were June’s Dunes in Ft. Walton Beach and Cafe Joseph-Beth in Lexington. He served famous men such as Anthony Bourdain, Emeril Lagasse, and William Shatner. Bob was an avid reader and amassed a large, personal library of his favorite authors. He loved riding motorcycles and participated in several Teddy Bear Runs with the American Legion Riders Boone Post 4 and earned patches for completing the “Tail of the Dragon.” His “brothers” would check in with him daily and have a beverage or two and listen to stories about his family in Ohio.

To have had the privilege to be welcomed into Bob’s circle was to be loved entirely and immensely. His friends were his family. He did not water things down and you knew where you stood with him - what you see is what you get. A genuine soul. At the end of a visit or phone conversation, Bob always said “Later.” He said saying goodbye was too final.

Bob will be missed forever. Left on Earth to remember him and share stories are his siblings Tony (Georgie) Korns, John Korns, Mary (Randy) Yonally, and Russ (Amy) Korns; four nephews and three nieces whom had a special soft spot for and a promise to protect; four great nephews; a godson; and many friends including Rick and Laura, Clark, Bond and Workman.

Bob's wishes were for family to enjoy a celebration of his life at a later date. His cremation will be cared for by Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home. To honor Bob, please consider leaving a memorial donation to the VA Medical Center in Lexington, KY by clicking here.

Lo there do I see my father.

Lo there do I see my mother.

Lo there do I see my brothers and my sisters.

Lo there do I see the line of people back to the beginning.

Lo they do call to me;

They bid me take my place among them in the Hall of Valhalla,

where the brave may live forever.