THOMAS G. KERR
THOMAS G. KERR
Thomas G. Kerr, age 84, of Luray, MO, entered Heaven to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 6, 2020 in the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA, following injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident earlier in the day in Keokuk.
Tom was born June 2, 1935 in Luray, MO, a son of Joseph Benjamin and Zella E. Sells Kerr.
He was united in marriage to Shirley J. Smith on December 5, 1959, in the Baptist Church in Memphis.
Survivors include his children: Doug (Linda) Kerr of Edina, MO and Kathy (Mike) Harrison of Luray, MO; five grandchildren: Tara (Phillip) Mason and Tressa Harrison (Korbin Johnson) of Luray, MO, Jonathan (Autumn) Ritchie of Aurora, MN, Joshua (Shannan) Ritchie of Manawa, WI, and Sarah (Justin) Sugden of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; four great-grandchildren: Elliott, Lilly and Selah Ritchie and Lucy Sugden; two brothers-in-law, Gary Smith of Luray, MO and John Humes of Kahoka, MO; as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; one brother, Joseph and Esther Kerr; a sister, Josephine and David Folk; and sister-in-law, Sharon Humes.
Tom graduated from Luray High School in 1953 and joined the U. S. Army where he served for 8 ½ years including the Army Reserves. He served with honor.
Tom was an employee for over 40 years of the Missouri State Highway Department, starting as a Supervisor, retiring in 2004.
He was a member of the Luray United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending the Full Gospel Church in Luray as well. The past several years he had been attending the Kahoka Christian Church.
Tom enjoyed visiting and spending time at the Nutrition Site.
He enjoyed collecting antiques, his horses, and his mules.
It was special to him when he put up hay every summer with Mike.
He was very active as well as very busy.
Until this past year he cut his own fire wood.
Tom made the most of and enjoyed life.
Second only to his love for his Lord was his love for his family.
He dedicated his life to them and cherished every moment spent together.
Private graveside services with military rites were held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Combs Cemetery with Rev. Patrick Mutchler officiating.
Pallbearers were Doug Kerr, Mike Harrison, Tara Mason, Tressa Harrison, Phillip Mason and Korbin Johnson.
There was no visitation.
Memorials were suggested to the Clark Co. or Knox Co. Nutrition Sites.
Arrangements were handled by Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Army, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Thomas G. Kerr served our country in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve.
He served during the Korean War and attained the rank of Specialist Five (SP5/E-5).
He received an honorable discharge from the United States Army Reserve 31 July 1963 and returned to the town of Luray in Clark County, Missouri.
The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade, who joined the staff of the supreme commander Friday, 6 March 2020. At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.
