William Thorne Kerber

He was born December 28, 1935 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Harold Brokman Kerber and Leta Lucille Thorne Kerber, both of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was educated in Council Bluffs and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. He served in the United States Army in the Biological Warfare Service and attained the rank of Captain.

During his veterinary career, he specialized in the compassionate care of research animals. He was employed by the University of California-Davis, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Puerto Rico and a commercial research laboratory. He finished his career as Director of Laboratory Animal Medicine at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

During his retirement, he enjoyed growing and hybridizing roses at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens having been a volunteer for over 20 years. He was a member of the Tallahassee Area Rose Society for 20 years. He was a ham radio operator for over 60 years, and he enjoyed genealogy.

He is survived by three daughters, Caroline Ann Kerber of Columbia, Missouri, Melinda Sue Kerber of Austin, Texas and Sarah Jane Anderson of Boerne, Texas. He is survived by his sister Rosemary Terry (James) of Omaha, Nebraska and several nieces, a nephew, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

No visitation or funeral services are planned. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Hardin Township Cemetery, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Goodwood Museum and Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.