Gary Kerr

Gary, 68, passed away at his home from complications of a stroke. He is survived by his wife Jana Kerr and their sons Dennis (wife Meridith) and Jeff Kerr, his mother Joan Moore Kerr, his brother David Jay Kerr, his aunt Elizabeth Kerr of El Paso, TX, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Alvin Kerr, his uncle Cleve Kerr, his grandparents Jay and Ruby Kerr, Edward and Mary Moore, his sister-in-law Gail Monauni Kerr and other family members.

Gary graduated from high school in Atlanta and got a head start on his college career through the joint enrollment program of Georgia Tech. He graduated from Parks College of St. Louis University with a degree in Aeronautical Administration, and later supplemented his education with an Associate’s degree in computer technology.

Gary spent most of his working career as an IT specialist and worked for EDS, Xerox, and Atos as well as other companies. Earlier he was an Air Traffic Controller in Austin, TX and Tulsa, OK. He learned to fly as a teenager with his uncle Cleve on the Kerr Ranch outside El Paso, TX and loved to be in the air. He logged many hours flying to family events, vacations, and playing dot-to-dot among the clouds. He held Flight Instructor ratings as well as many other certifications, and kept his flying license active his entire life.

While living in Tulsa, OK, he met Jana Potts, one of the few female Air Traffic Controllers at that time. Gary said Jana caught his attention because she always challenged him. Whatever game or activity they were engaged in, he knew he always had to do his best to keep up with her. The couple married in January of 1979, and had been happily married nearly 42 years at the time of his death. He enjoyed being the dad of two boys and was always involved in their lives.

Gary loved to travel, especially with his family. He loved visiting his Aunt Elizabeth’s cabin in Ruidoso, NM, and believed it to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Though he didn’t get to visit every place on his bucket list, he made it to quite a few. He enjoyed a rail trip across Canada as a young man, and cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and along the Rhine River. Another travel highlight was a trip to the 55h Anniversary of the WWII Battle on Iwo Jima with his father and brother. Gary and Jana drove cross country sightseeing, and had great adventures traveling to many National Parks. In 2019, Gary organized a trip for the family to visit the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH, combining both travel and his love of airplanes.

Music was also a big part of his life. He loved to sing one-liners from a song to fit the circumstances and he played the piano most every day. At any family gathering he could get the attention of the children by playing the Linus and Lucy theme song from Peanuts. The entire Kerr family will always remember the happy sound of Christmas carols and Happy Birthday played by Gary on the piano.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas, TX, www.flightmuseum.com or to The National Air and Space Museum, 6th St and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20560, https://airandspace.si.edu.

His family will hold a private memorial service Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 3:00 pm. Gary always said if he was made King, his first ruling would be “NO NECKTIES ALLOWED!” So to honor him, please dress casually. You may attend the funeral virtually.