Joe Kerr

JOSEPH F. KERR

Joseph F. Kerr, age 76, of Luray, MO, graduated to heaven, Friday, April 16, 2010 at the Clark Co. Nursing Home in Kahoka.

Joe was born September 6, 1933 to Joseph Benjamin and Zella E. Sells Kerr at their family home north of Luray. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe graduated from Luray High School in 1951. On April 3, 1954, he married Esther F. O'Brien at the Luray United Methodist Church. He was inducted into the service in 1953 and served in the U. S. Army until June of 1955. Joe farmed all of his married life and for over 30 years was a rural mail carrier in the Luray and Wyaconda areas. He also owned "Joe's Gun Shop" which started out as a hobby and a place for conversation. He was an active member of the Luray United Methodist Church, former member of the Luray School Board, and member of National Rifle Association, Quails Unlimited, Fairmont Coon Hunters Association, Wyaconda Lion's Club, and St. Francisville Lodge # 588, A.F. & A.M. In earlier years, he was active as leader for 4-H and Methodist Youth Fellowship.

As a mail carrier, Joe didn't just deliver mail but also became a caretaker of people on his route. He genuinely cared for each of them, watched out for them and checked on them regularly. Joe would get up early many mornings to fish and deliver his fresh catch to people on his route that were unable to fish themselves. He also would provide mail boxes to those who couldn't afford them.

One of his passions was fishing. Many friends and family gathered annually for the large fish fry that he and Esther would host. He taught his grandkids to fish the moment they were big enough to get in the boat. Joe was a man of great faith, caring for others along his journey, and treasuring those he met.

Joe was known for his "Yellow Pages" which he wrote on his yellow legal pad. His "Pages" were a blessing to all who were a subject and to those who heard them.

Survivors include his wife, Esther, of Luray, MO; five children: Cynthia (Tony) Buffington of Winfield, IA; Kevin (Terry) Kerr of Arbela, MO; Kenneth (Amy Jo) Kerr of Des Moines, IA; Renee Cochenour of Luray, MO: and Dwayne (Michelle) Kerr of Scott Air Force Base, IL, and eleven grandchildren: Dustin (Heather) Buffington, Matt (Laura) Buffington, Shelby Ridley, Elana (Danny) Liu, Brandon Kerr (and his friend, Ashley Wallingford), Breanna Kerr, Nick Cochenour, Kelsey Cochenour, Anthony (Tasha) Kerr, Cassie Kerr, and Tabitha Kerr; a great-granddaughter, Maci Cochenour; one brother, Tom Kerr of Luray, MO; one sister, Josephine (Dave) Folk of Kirksville, MO; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Toops of Kahoka, MO, Mary O'Brien of Arbela, MO, and Maureen (Tip) Biggs of Omaha, NE; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Luray United Methodist Church with Rev. Beryl Cragg and Mr. Tom Lemons officiating. Burial with full military rites followed in the Combs Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to the Luray United Methodist Church or Combs Cemetery.