Robert W. Kerr
Bob, age 84, passed away at home on January 10, 2012, after courageously battling Parkinson’s with dignity and grace.
Bob was born on July 13, 1927, in Kansas City, Kansas, of Estella Mae Kerr (Ennis) and Robert Ward Kerr. Bob was devoted to his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, who took great personal pride in always being there for his loved ones. As a Scoutmaster for 20 years, he was influential in so many lives making many wonderful lifelong friends. Those years with “his boys” were some of the happiest in his life. His legacy includes the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, Tribe of Mic-O-Say Warrior, Award of Merit, White Buffalo Award, Outstanding Scout Master of the Year, George Meany Nat’l Scouting Award and the Silver Beaver Award. In his own words, Bob said, “Watching so many boys develop into young men has been its own reward.”
Bob loved gardening, fishing, camping and hunting trips to Colby, Kansas. He had a passion for carpentry for 50 years, both at home and at work. Bob served in the Navy and was a member of the Abdallah Shrine Oriental Band of Kansas City, Kansas.
Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Bernice, who devoted herself to his care; children, Vicki Bledsoe (David), Steve Kerr, Janice Moore (Jimmy), Greg Kerr (Merrit); 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters Dorothy Manion, Nadine Mann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family expresses deep gratitude for the loving care and support of friends, the wonderful caregivers and people of Heartland Hospice, who touched all of our lives.
Visitation and Funeral Services
Visitation will be from 2 – 5 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2012, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2012, at the chapel with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to:
Boy Scout Troop 185
c/o Shawnee Presbyterian Church
6837 Nieman Road
Shawnee Kansas 66203
or
Heartland Hospice
4601 College Boulevard, Suite 160
Leawood Kansas 66211
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We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We often think of the wonderful times we have spent together in scouts, family events, trips to the Boundary Waters, camping, fishing, canoeing and loving life. Losing a husband and father who is so very much loved has to be extremely difficult. You and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Bill & Linda
We are deeply sorry for the loss of Grandpa Bob Kerr; we all send our condolences and all our love to all the family. Our prayers will be with Grandpa for sure! We love you Grandpa and we will miss you!!!
I know he will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family. Our prayers go to all the family.
Yes indeed, Bob Kerr was certainly an outstanding leader of young men. Scott’s earning the Eagle Scout award is attributable to some strong effort and guidance from Bob. For that we are all eternally grateful. Heaven will be fortunate to receive Bob. It will be an even better place!! God Bless Mrs. Kerr also for her loving care of her beloved Bob.
Casey, Eva and Scott Casebolt
Bob will be greatly missed by all of us. He was a great friend and a
wonderful Scoutmaster. He deserves much of the credit for Tim being an Eagle Scout and a fine young man today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bernice and her family.
i will miss my olny grandpa soooooo much and i just wish he could be with us still here with us today and i am praying for u grandma and life will get better
nae his grandaughter
We know you have lost a wonderful husband, dad, and grandfather. He is loved and respected by so many. His commitment to the boys and men of Scouting was very generous and treasured . Our prayers are with each of you.
Bob was a great person.
Lee and I will treasure the times we spent with him.
Warmest thoughts,
Cindy
So sorry to read about Bob Passing. I know he had been having a difficult time for many years. We wish you our thoughts and prayers from Florida.
Bernice, I met you and Bob last winter when Bob and my father, Joe Sample, were both at Lakeview’s Eastside Terrace. Even though Bob was struggling with his illness at that time, his kind manner and twinkling eyes let me know what a wonderful person he was, and the love between the two of you was evident. My mother and I send our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Lynn Sample
My heartfelt prayers go out to the Kerr family. Bob had a way of humor despite his illness, which sometimes took me by surprise. I so admired Bernice for her diligence in making sure Bob had the very best of care. He left a lasting imprint on many lives.
Hoping you and your family will find peace and comfort with each other during these times of grief and deep felt sorrow. If you need anything, please feel free to call on me. Irma
We are very sorry for your recent loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob was a great friend, he will truely be missed. We always enjoyed our visits and calls with Bob and Bernice, down thru the years we had some fun times together. Those memories will last forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Kerr Family. Rick & Joyce
Dear Bernice and family. We are saddened by the loss of Bob. He and I truly enjoyed our interactions at one of his rehabilitation facilities. Our prayers are with you. Gregg and Sharon Loeser
Mrs.Kerr, I have not seen Bob for at least 10+ years, the last time was at a dept. store there in Shawnee when we up visiting Norma. Bob gave me my first paying job working with his roughin crew for Hervey-Johnson. I always thought of it as fun, they were an education of life.
God Bless, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Shade
Bernice and all the family –
We are so saddened by the death of Bob – but we know he is in God’s hands. We will help you celebrate his life today, but the memories will go on forever. We will always be available, if you need someone to talk to– love and hugs to you all!! Flona and Rick Halley
I’m very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great scoutmaster and mentor and I will always appreciate my time in troop 185.
Trevor Elenbaas
Bob and Jerry Campbell are both gone but with out there hard charging thinking we would not have the Great House today. We will miss him but remember all the good times we had camping with him. When Jerry could not finish my son Joe II Eagle Frame Bob said he would finish it. With all the great tools in his basement workshop he worked on it with a smile. His smile will be missed.
May the Great Master of all Scouts Be with him till we meet again,
Joe Schmidt