Bernard Joseph Kawa, 87, was born on July 24, 1938, in Frackville, PA, to Stanley Kawa and Frances Kawa (Bolinsky), who both preceded him in death.

Bernie was a retired Master Sergeant who served in the United States Air Force for almost 22 years. He was an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Airplane Inspector stationed in McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas; McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey; Clark Air Base in the Philippines; Torrejon Air Base in Spain and Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, where he was Chief of Weights & Balances for the State of Florida. While stationed in the Philippines he served in a rescue mission to pick up wounded in Vietnam and his plane was shot down; he was a POW for eight months before being rescued.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Ann Kawa (NeVertts) and one living sister Annette. He was pre-deceased by one brother Joseph and four sisters: Bertha, Stella, Mary and Rose Marie. He had 5 children with his first wife: Bernie Jr (deceased), Nancy, Mark (deceased), Dennis and Kelly; and 4 stepchildren: Barbara, Robert, Ann & Suzanne. He also had 11 grandchildren: Devyn, Jenna, Taylor, Chelsy, John, Cortney, Brandon, Winnetta, Angel, Anthony and Savana. He also had 4 great grandchildren.

Bernie will be laid to rest at Ft Indiantown Gap during private services which have been entrusted to the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, RIngtown. You may leave an online condolence at www.ringtownfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St John's Lutheran Church in Brandonville, PA, where he was a member.