Audra "Audie" Robert Stern III, age 61, medically-retired Manatee Co EMS Paramedic finished his service to humanity on December 23, 2022.
He was surrounded by his wife & children when his soul moved onto its next journey. Born in WŸrzburg, Germany on September 20, 1961, to Audra R Stern Jr & Peggy (Woods) Stern.
He graduated Amarillo High School in 1980 (Amarillo, Texas) where he enjoyed playing baseball, singing in the choir, and mastering the drums in the marching band. From 1980 to 1984 he served in the US Army with B Company 34th Engineers Battalion 1st Platoon. He was a 50 cal gunner and Carpentry & Masonry Specialist. After his military service, he attended Kansas State University where he received Emergency Medical Technician training and Amarillo Community College where he became a Paramedic. For 35 years, he proudly served the public in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Florida.
He met his wife of 30 years, Kimberley (Fleetwood) when they were both medics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While serving in Oklahoma he witnessed the tragic results of the Alfred P Murrah bombing in April of 1995 when he became one of many first responders who assisted in the rescue efforts. Through the course of his EMS career, he received a Mayor's Commendation for extraordinary effort, a City of Grove (Oklahoma) Certificate of Appreciation for excellent patient care, a State of Oklahoma Citation of Congratulations for heroic efforts, a State of Oklahoma Citation for valiant efforts, a State of Oklahoma Citation of Appreciation for outstanding bravery, an Oklahoma Governor's Commendation for life-saving action in time of crisis, an Oklahoma State Troopers Association for heroic efforts, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Chief's Distinguished Service Award for service above and beyond the call of duty.
He was a lifelong avid Dallas Cowboy football fan. He loved dancing, teaching new EMTs & Paramedics, and spending time fishing and camping with his family.
He served until the very end by requesting his brain donated for research.
He is survived by his wife of Bradenton. His parents, two younger brothers, James & Joseph plus their families all from Texas. His sons, Cody and Marcus; daughter, Kristen Blazso (husband, Joshua), and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
Dates for a Celebration of Life arranged by fellow Manatee Co EMS colleagues & burial at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Please consider donating to the Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration www.theaftd.org or the Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org so families affected by neurological diseases will have resources and future generations may have a cure.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
