John Alexander Kerr Obituary (1943 - 2025)

John A. Kerr '61 said:

This is written by John's Wife - Barbara:
John Alexander Kerr, 81, of Kenton, Ohio unexpectedly passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025.

John was born September 24, 1943, in Denver Colorado as the eldest child of Dee and Grace Isabel “Issie” (Thompson) Kerr.

John always knew that he wanted to serve in the military as a pilot. With a father in the Air Force and a family whose military service lineage traces back to the American Revolutionary War, John proudly enlisted in the Army in 1962 just after graduating from Rantoul Township High School (Rantoul, IL).

John’s military career spanned 21. John served in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam. Upon deploying to Vietnam in 1967, John flew Huey and Scout helicopters out of Chu Lai scouting troops and looking for enemy locations. Of note: he was in the first class of aviators to transition into the use of the OH58 helicopter in 1969, and the only qualified aviator in Vietnam. He has shared many a wild story with friends and family, which leave us pondering how he made it home in one piece. Guess it was just his stubborn nature to push through and get it done no matter what.

While on active duty, John received a BA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Business Administration and Economics from Alaska Methodist University. Skills he applied well while managing Officer Clubs in Darmstadt, Germany and Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

After retiring from the military John established a home in Kenton, Ohio and began a new career driving truck as a long-haul driver. His story was that he just wanted solitude, an open road, and nothing to manage or oversee. John eventually became a trainer and Safety Officer with U.S. Express. His final job was that of a recruiter for U.S. Express which took him all over the country, where he eventually reconnected with Barbara who became his wife.

John loved to take his Harley out for long ride in the country. The roar of loud pipes and a clear, open road were all he needed. John and his wife were members of the Seaford (Delaware) and Ocean City (Maryland) H.O.G. Clubs.

Boy Scouts was a constant in John’s life. In addition to being a Boy Scout himself, John was actively involved in the Minsi Trails Counsel in the Tobyhanna, PA area, as were his three sons who all achieved Eagle Scout

As we pause and reflect, we see John standing there with his Harley T-Shirt, Vietnam Veteran’s ballcap with aviator wings, and that non-smile smile of his. Crazy mustaches and all, John freely shared his thoughts and opinions on all subject matters, whether they were asked for or not. Between military banter and just plan onery-ness John left an impacting memory with us all. He loved each of us in his own stubborn, but unique way. John loved life and living it on his own terms.

Burial with a military grave-site service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:30a.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia Scholarship Fund.