Thomas V. Kerr

KERR Thomas V. Thomas V. Kerr, 77, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2007, at the Toledo Hospital with family and friends by his side. Tom is now in the arms of his Heavenly Father after a valiantly fought battle with illness since his surgery on February 28, 2007. Tom was born on January 3, 1930, to Eli and Anna (Morrow) Kerr. Tom proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1948. In April, 1950, Tom was sent to Japan on board the USNS General G.C. Morton. He was promoted to Sergeant on July 5, 1951, while serving in Japan. Tom was honorably discharged in 1955 after being stationed at Hamilton AFB, California. Tom was a very skilled underwater welding specialist and received commendations for the many large projects on which he worked throughout his career as a welder. Adding to his talents, Tom was a career pipe fitter and was given a Lifetime Membership Award on September 5, 2006, for 50 years of loyal membership in the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #50 in Toledo, Ohio. An accomplished athlete, Tom was a top U.S. Amateur Boxing champion during the 1950's, winning many titles. Tom was also a very competitive bowler and was a regular on the Toledo Public links. Tom loved to golf with his buddies who have missed him this summer and will continue to miss him. Of foremost importance to Tom in the last many years of his life was his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tom was a devoted member of Cross Point Community Church where he enjoyed worship and fellowship for many years. Tom was married to and preceded in death by Mary E. (Valentine) Kerr, his beloved wife of 40 years. He has dearly missed Mary over the years since her death in September 1996. He was also preceded in death by daughter, M. Diane (Kerr) Coley. Surviving are Tom and Mary's five children, Michael (Brenda) Kerr, Cynthia Cooper, Kathleen Kerr, Matthew (Robin) Kerr, and Mark (Dawn) Kerr. Tom's grandchildren include, Brandon Hubbard, Jamie, Zacchaeus, and James Cooper, Hayley and Clay Kerr, Bryce Kerr and great-grand-children, Raniyah (Cooper) Williams and Bryedon Hubbard. Special mention to Danny Knopp, devoted friend, and Jessie Geis, Tom's angel and friend, and Red and Sandra Oberdier - all cared for and loved Tom. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at St. Vincent Medical Center, Arbors at Sylvania, and The Toledo Hospital who got to know Tom over the last several months. All who loved Tom will greatly miss his gentle nature and warm smile. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, October 3, 2007, from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Road, Oregon. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 10:30 in the Cross Point Community Church, 4212 Onondaga Ave. Interment will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. The family suggests the memorial contributions be made to Cross Point Community Church.