Minor C. Kershner, 72, a lifelong resident of Liberty Center, died suddenly Wednesday, at Heller Memorial Hospital. He had been in poor health for several years.

Mr. Kershner had been prominent in school and public life for 59 years, and at the time of his retirement from school teaching in 1942 was the dean of northwestern Ohio's football and basketball coaches.

The son of Charles and Ella (Steedman) Kershner, he was born September 16, 1897. He started a teaching career in the Liberty Center schools in 1917, and that same year was married to the former Gertrude Yaney, who preceded him in death in April 1969. Surviving are two daughters, Wahnita (Mrs. Kerm) Witte, Toledo; Marietta (Mrs. Philip) Wigg, Bowling Green, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Kershner was a graduate of Defiance College and Bowling Green State University, holding a BSc in education and a master's degree in school administration. He was affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Liberty Center and a member of the Blue Lodge F. & A.M. 518 in Liberty Center.

During his long career in the Liberty Center Schools, he coached baseball, football, basketball, and track, and in the two major sports his teams amassed a son-lost record unequaled at the time of his retirement from teaching in 1942. At that time he was principal of the high school. He was a recognized authority in American history, and particularly the Civil War period. During his onw athletic career he played football locally, baseball at Defiance College, and later pitched for the Grand Rapids farm club of the Detroit Tigers.

Active in public life, Mr. Kershner served as township clerk for many years, was a Democratic committeeman and central committeeman, and served as a member of the board of trustees of Bowling Green State University during the expansion years of 1945-48. He also served as a member of the appeals board of the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and the appeals board of the Ohio State Civil Service Commission.

Funeral services will be Saturday, at 1 p.m. at the Walker Mortuary in Napoleon, Reverend Ted Schroeder officiating. Burial will be in Young Cemetery, Liberty Center. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary after 7 p.m. tonight and 2-4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday afternoon and evening.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Heart Fund.