Henry Madison Kerr Sr.
March 22nd, 1928 – June 10th, 2023
Henry Madison Kerr Sr, 95, of St. Louis, MO, passed away June 10, 2023, with his family near his side. He was born to parents Anna Bursa Suggs (Malcomb) and Weonard Kerr, on March 22, 1928, in St. Louis, MO.
He graduated from Sumner High School in 1947. Henry went on to study Engineering Drawing, Technical Illustrations and Layout Design at Indiana University 1950-1952 & Washington University 1952-1955 and graduated with a B.S.
Henry met Blanche Herndon while attending Sumner High School and they were married from 1955 until her death in 1969. To this union, they had two boys Henry M. Kerr Jr. and Glenn J. Kerr. In 1971 Henry married Betty Kerr. With this union, Henry gained a stepson, Dwayne Butler.
Henry worked as a Mechanical Draftsman with emphasis in technical Illustration for McDonnell Douglas. While employed there; he provided designs for the F-101 Voodoo, a supersonic jet fighter, F-4 Phantom II and F-15 Eagle, tactical fighter. He retired after 31 years of dedicated and honorable service.
Henry was a founding member of the El Costa Ricos (EL’s) with his Sumner classmates in 1944. As a life-long member for 55 years of this illustrious organization, he travelled across the country annually and hosted scholarship fundraisers for their alumni; Sumner High School Bulldogs. Henry was a standout athlete at Sumner and to this day holds records in track and field. Henry loved traveling; especially Alaskan cruises and going to various cities to watch track and field meets with his dear friend Roy Miller; who preceded him in death. Roy and Henry were the only living survivors of the El’s.
Henry M. Kerr Sr., will be lovingly remembered by:
Sons Henry M. Kerr Jr., (Arnette), Dwayne Butler (Dawn), St. Louis and Glenn Kerr, San Bernardino, CA. Grandchildren, Kasey Alease Kerr and a bonus great grandson; Mekhi Catching; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family has entrusted St. Louis Cremation with the arrangements. The celebration of Henry’s memory is Saturday; June 17, 2023, from 11:00am until 2:00pm. Location is 2135 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103, (314) 241-8844.
Henry and Arnette, You are in our prayers🙏🏾The Lord will give you both the strength to endure. Remember in time you will have all those loving memories that filled you both with so much Joy and Happiness. The time spent with Dad will be so vivid to you both, and will bring that smile of Joy. The Lord Blesses us with his peace, inner peace, which you both will find in time.
Love you Sis and Henry💕
OMG what a phenomenal life and career. Henry & Arnette I’m so sorry to hear about your lose. Henry you must be so proud of your father. Now I understand your dedication and work ethics. Working two jobs and caring for your father daily.
You must know how much you meant to him. I’m sure he’s resting in peace and looking down on you both. Take care, Jennifer & Parvez
My sincere deepest sympathies and condolences 💐 to the Kerr family! Hen, Glenn, and Dwayne you in my prayers 🙏🏽
What a phenomenal man, and what a wonderful life he lived. Sending my sincere thoughts and prayers to The Kerr and Bulter family. My God be with you in these challenging times. Be encouraged, hold on to the memories and allow God to comfort you. God Bless!!
I could see from the videos and pictures that you shared a special Bond with your dad. My prayers are with you and family 💕💕 love Vickie J
Sending my deepest condolences to the Kerr family. May God heal your broken hearts. What a beautiful life and memories to be shared♥️
Henry Madison Kerr Sr., affectionately referred to as Uncle Henry. Was our coach, our guide, and on occasions our boss… He definitely was a Boy Dad. I will reflect and appreciate all the guidance that he passed on to us. He shall be missed, but most of all remembered.
Praying for God to give you strength, comfort, love and peace. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. May you feel God’s presence and find comfort today and the days ahead. For, God knows, he cares and is always there. Big hugs and much love to you, Arnette and the family.
Never knew your dad but every time you talked about him you had a inner glow. May the love you feel for him today support you for the rest of your natural life. He sounds like a great man.l
You and the Family are in our Thoughts & Prayers!! My Mom (Rose Pickett-Tripp) would always talk about the fun times they had during her high school days. Henry Kerr was a part of those fond memories!! Your Pops is at Rest Now Bro …..
Good & Faithful Servant, Job Well Done ….. 🙏🏾