Gerhard Bob Kerchner

Gerhard Robert “Bob” Kerchner, age 76 of Knoxville, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Shannondale Health and Rehabilitation. He was born in Pirmasens, Germany in 1938 and he moved to Texas in 1960 and worked as a hairdresser. He ultimately moved to Knoxville, TN where he and E. Klaus Metzelder co-founded Metz and Kerchner, House of International Beauty, Inc. Since its inception in 1967, Metz and Kerchner has imparted an innovative influence on the salon industry through the hundreds of employees and many loyal clients that have passed through their doors. This influence is still felt today in most salons across Knoxville. Many of the top colorists in the area learned their craft from his expertise. He has been only 1 of 7 people inducted into the TN School of Beauty Hall of Fame.

Bob played division I professional soccer for FC Kaiserslautern during the 1950’s. Over the years he was involved in coaching Farragut Middle and High School Soccer.

He was preceded in death by Vernon Kerchner and parents Gertrude and Urban Kerchner. He is survived by his 7 adopted children, Carlos Kerchner, Kevin (Katie) Kerchner, Nicole Baylosis, Mario (Amber) Kerchner, Marcelo Kerchner, Antonio (Kayla) Kerchner and Chadwick Kerchner; grandchildren, Isabella, Gabriella, Sofia, Allanah, Graiden, Quinn, Tristan and Camilla; sister, Barbara Howard; brother, Johnny Gallander; niece, Darlene Howard Holcomb; nephew, Dennis Havard; great niece, Michaela Schätzle; great niece, Kristen Nutile; and great nephew, Troy McNeil.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Berry Highland Memorial Chapel with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3pm. There will be a private family interment in the Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harmony Family Center, Inc. at 118 Mabry Hood Road, Suite 400, Knoxville, TN 37922; Phone (865) 982-5225; Website: www.harmonyfamilycenter.org.