William Andrew Kerr

Andy was born in Harding, West Virginia to Rev. William James and Tocie Kerr on November 17, 1934. Andy was the middle child of five with two older sisters (Betty Ann & Sara Rosalie) and two younger brothers (James Milton & Joseph Richard). Andy earned his Bachelor's degree, followed by his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at West Virginia University. He then received the Ford Foundation Fellowship from Harvard Law School where he earned his Master of Law degree. He concluded his formal studies by earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Duke University. He served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corp and was decorated with an Air Force Commendation Medal.

In 1966, Andy met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann McMillin, while speaking at an adult class at her church. On August 3, 1968, they married and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana when Andy accepted a professorship at IU McKinney School of Law.

Andy was an active member of the legal profession and has been affiliated with numerous professional organizations. He was a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, West Virginia State Bar, National District Attorneys Association, American Judicature Society and Federal Bar Association. He was the author of “Indiana Criminal Procedure: Pretrial,” and “Indiana Criminal Procedure: Trial”. Andy received multiple awards and recognitions. He received the first Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Outstanding Judicial Education Program Award from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Outstanding Professor Award by the students at McKinney School of Law, and Outstanding Service Award from the Indianapolis Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

Some of Andy’s other interests include: History, walking, ping pong, and the Indianapolis Colts. Andy loved classical music and as a young child, his father taught him how to play the violin, and Andy taught himself how to play the piano. After retirement he returned to his love of music and took both violin and piano lessons.

Andy is preceded in death by his parents, William and Tocie Kerr, his sister Betty Ann Lynch and brother James Milton Kerr.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Betsy, his brother Joseph (Carole), sister Sara Lee, 15 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held in the Gothic Chapel, at Crown Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 1:00-1:30 PM with Celebration of Life and burial immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the William A. Kerr Scholarship Fund at IU McKinney School of Law.

Link to Who’s Who for William A Kerr

https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/455443/william-kerr-celebrated-for-50-years-of-professional-excellence