1940-2024
Richard Alan Kerr, 84, passed away at 6:46 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024 at the The Elms Nursing Home in Macomb, IL..He was born on May 16, 1940, in Canton, IL, to Ray A. and Florence “Peggy” (Stevenson) Kerr. He married Mary (Crabb) Kerr on August 20, 1966 in Macomb, Illinois. He is survived by his two sons, Dr. Andrew (Dr. Rachel) Kerr of Macomb, Illinois; and Mark Kerr, J.D. (“Monica” Hyun-Jyong Lee) of Asunción, Paraguay. He has five grandchildren: Dr. Catherine Kerr of Lawrence, Kansas, Elizabeth Kerr Glascock (Jaden) of Pekin, Illinois, Julius Goldberg of Ithaca, New York, Máiri-Lee and Jaek-Lee Kerr of Asunción, Paraguay. He also had one brother, Larry (Cathy) Kerr of Macomb, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews that he loved and cherished, as well. His beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Kerr preceded him in death, as did his sister, Nancy (Kerr) White. He was a graduate of Cuba High School in Cuba Illinois, and Western Illinois University with a BS and MS in Education (Industrial Arts). He was a first generation college graduate from a venerable family of coal miners going all the way back to Scotland. Richard was extremely proud of his heritage, and passed on the value of hard work to his children and grandchildren. He was also a life member of the Masons, including being a 33nd degree Mason. He had dual membership with Taylor Lodge 98 in Washington, Il and Cuba Lodge 534 in Cuba, Illinois. He was a 5-time Master of Taylor Lodge, and very active for years in various activities. Richard taught industrial arts at Washington Community High School in Washington, Illinois from 1964 - 1994. While he taught many “shop classes”, he was best known as the metal shop teacher. He was very proud of the students he had over the years, and enjoyed seeing them around town and what they had accomplished. He was also a dedicated “Washington Panther” and supported many student activities over the years, including refereeing wrestling matches. He could often be found at many of the sporting events, music concerts, and drama productions at the high school.
Richard was very active in his community including the United Methodist Church, as well as helping his wife Mary in many of her community endeavors. He was known around Washington for piloting his hot air balloon, “Amazing Grace” - he loved flying the balloon and attended many events around the country, including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Hot Air Balloon National Championships in Indianola, Iowa. Richard also loved the outdoors, volunteering with the boy scouts, tinkering in his shop, and spending time with his family. This included, camping, hiking, snorkeling, woodworking, stained glass, and especially spending time with his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Family was extremely important to him, and he enjoyed that time immensely.
A Celebration of Life service in Washington, Illinois will be announced soon for the summer of 2025.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.