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Thomas Kerr Obituary
1933 - 2021
Thomas Jefferson Kerr, IV, age 87, of Columbus, and formerly of Westerville, died August 6, 2021. Survived by Donna L., wife of 66 years; son, Thomas J. (Cynthia) Kerr, V; daughters, Cheryl L. (Gerard) Coleman and Kathleen A. (William) Hansen; grandchildren, Wyatt, Saje and Spencer Kerr, Ryan (fiancee Kristen) and Rose Coleman, William, Nicholas and Michael Hansen; sisters- in-law, Merrilee Warner and Shirley Lawton; brother-in-law, Philip Bridgham; nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by parents Thomas J. and Ruth Kerr, sister Jean Bridgham, parents-in-law Merrill and Hazel Lawton, brothers-in-law Fred Warner and Raymond Lawton. Served as Professor of History at Otterbein University, Westerville, OH (1963-1971), President of Otterbein University (1971-1984), President of Grant Medical Center Development Foundation, Columbus, OH (1984-1990), President of Kendall College, Evanston, IL (1990-1996), Board of Trustees Member of the Nationwide/Gartmore Mutual Funds, Columbus, OH (1971-2005). He held leadership roles in the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio and Illinois, the Ohio Board of Regents, and the Ohio Commission on Higher Education. Member of Church of the Messiah United Methodist, Rotary Club, Blendon Lodge 339, Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, and Westerville Historical Society. He earned his B.S. degree from Cornell University, M.A. from University of Buffalo, and Ph.D. From Syracuse University. Memorial service to be held at 11am Saturday, August 21 at Church of the Messiah, 51 N. State St., Westerville, with family receiving friends starting at 9:30am and also following the service. The Rev. Jim Wilson, II will officiate. Private interment at Otterbein Cemetery. In his memory, people may contribute to the Thomas J. Kerr, IV Endowed Scholarship at Otterbein University, 1 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH 43081. Condolences at morelandfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kerr
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
4 Entries
Geri Ziegler
October 6, 2025
i was Dr. Kerr´s assistant for several years. He was a wonderful boss and I remember him fondly.
Alan Hyre
August 20, 2021
Let me express my condolences upon Dr. Kerr's passing. He was a great professor of history at Otterbein. I received his instruction while a freshman at Otterbein in 1968 and through out my education and graduation in 1972.
Thomas Morrison
August 12, 2021
Donna and Family -
Tom arrived at Otterbein just after I graduated in 1963. So I did not get to know him until I joined the Board of Trustees in the late 1980's and met him at various Otterbein events. During my eight-year tenure as Board Chair, Tom was incredibly supportive; I doubt there were more than one or two events that he (and Donna) did not attend. I was honored to preside over the dedication of the "President's Wall" in Towers Hall, which of course Tom attended. It is a joy for me to have relationships with three former presidents, from Tom to Brent DeVore to Kathy Krendl. Otterbein is fortunate to have had leaders like them at the helm. I will miss Tom but will always retain very fond memories of him.
Don and Kaye Hughes
August 12, 2021
Donna and family, We were saddened to hear of Tom´s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this
difficult time. Don and Kaye Hughes
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