KERNICH, Christopher Michael 23 of Fairborn, passed away after a courageous battle on Saturday November 21, 2009 in the Akron City Hospital. He was born November 12, 1986 in Dayton, the son of John A. and Sherry L. (Rodgers) Kernich. Chris graduated from Fairborn High School in 2005 where he was a three sport athlete; participating in football, basketball, and baseball. He currently was in his fourth year at Kent State University. Chris made the decision to give the gift of life through organ donation. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Oscar Rodgers; and paternal grandparents, Nicholas and Carolyn Kernich. He is survived by his mother and father of Fairborn; a sister, Stephanie Paynter of Springboro; a brother, John N. Kernich of Fairborn; his maternal grandmother, Mary Rodgers of Findlay, Ohio; three nieces, Valerie and Kendalyn Paynter, Makayla Kernich; as well as many aunts, uncles, and other extended family. He also leaves a host of friends from Fairborn and Kent State University. The family will receive friends on Friday November 27, 2009 from 4:00 until 8:00 P.M. in the Fairborn High School Auditorium, 900 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday November 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow in the Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher Kernich Memorial Fund at any US Bank location.