JOHN CLACK KERR

LOCKWOOD-John Clack Kerr, of Lockwood, MO, began this life March 5, 1929, and passed from this life December 1, 2015 at the age of 86 years, 8 months, and 27 days. He was a resident of Good Shepherd Nursing home at the time of his death.

John was the son of Coble and Ethel Johnson Kerr, and was born on a farm in Lawrence County, Missouri. He was the 10th of 12 children. John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William Kerr of Lockwood, Raleigh Kerr of Kansas City, and Raymond Kerr of Lockwood; and four sisters, Linda Lupardas of Max Creek, Maebelle Atkisson of Camdenton, Missouri, Evelyn Wingett of Belleview, Washington, and Celesta Vogt of Norfolk, Virginia. He is survived by two older sisters, Ruth Harvey of Norman, Oklahoma and Helen Dixon of West Plains, Missouri; and two younger brothers, Kenneth Kerr of Odessa, Missouri, and Wendell Kerr of Springfield, Missouri. John is also survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Kerr; five children: daughters, Brenda and Russell Davidson of Toledo, Ohio, Patricia and Troy Dingman of Carthage, Missouri, and Pamela Huser of Charlotte, North Carolina; and sons, John David and Kathy Kerr of Stockton, Missouri, and Jeffery and Dee Kerr of Springfield, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

John joined the army in 1949, serving 18 months. He was honorably discharged. He was in the army reserves until 1959, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.

On August 19, 1950 John married Lois Marie Jones of Aurora, Missouri. The couple lived for a short time in Greenfield, Missouri, but took up permanent residence in Lockwood where he worked for C. Meek Lumber Company.

John always loved woodworking of all kinds, and he spent many long hours working, but John and Lois also made time to take their children picnicking, camping, picking blackberries, fishing, and visiting the places he grew up. He often entertained his children with stories of childhood adventures with his brothers and sister and amazed them by reciting poetry he had memorized as a child.

Church played a very important role in the Kerr household. John and Lois became members of the First Baptist Church of Lockwood, Missouri shortly after moving here. John, Lois and all the children could be found at church every Sunday and Wednesday. John taught Sunday School, was a leader of the boys R.A group, the Brotherhood, and Training Union. February 1, 1970 John was ordained as Deacon and served many years, as long as his health permitted.

In 1963 John started his own business, Kerr Cabinet Shop, specializing in designing, building and installing custom cabinets and furniture. All the children spent occasional Saturdays sweeping the shop and cleaning up, but his son, John David was the one who took serious interest in the business. Eventually the sole proprietorship became a partnership between father and son, and the name was changed to Kerr Millwork and Manufacturing. The business continued to grow, and many customers appreciated the quality of work that was being achieved. In 1988 the partners became Kerr Millwork Corporation. Father and son worked side by side until John retired in 1993.

Johns woodworking career damaged his hearing, and over the years he experienced increasing difficulty hearing. But John was always adaptive. Because he did not hear well enough to participate in most conversations, he developed his trademark jokes and funny sayings. This was his way of staying actively involved with the people around him, and his family dearly loved him for it. John always stayed true to his delight in the laughter of children, even long after he could no longer hear it. Thats why he would say, Smile to everyone he encountered.

Throughout his life, John Kerr lived a happy and productive life. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. Although we will miss him now, we look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2015, in the Lockwood First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Brashears Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday at 1:00 p.m. until service time in the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, the Brashears Cemetery, or to the Lockwood First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.