• Eugene “Gene” Kerr

    August 17, 2015
  • Eugene “Gene” Kerr was born on December 29, 1937 in Davenport, Iowa to Eugene Kerr and Alida Ellis Tabor Kerr. He was a loyal friend to so many. He was loved by all. He lived his life full and died with honor and no regrets. He does not want us to mourn his life, instead all of us who were touched by this passionate quiet man agree to do as he has asked. We will celebrate his life by living ours in this precious moment, rejoicing in the knowledge that our dear friend who loved us so much will always be with us.

    Gene went to Davenport High School. Married Helen shortly after and had twins Terry and Tammy. Helen is deceased.

    Tammy is married to Rich Crull and they have two children: Jamie Schneider and her husband Matt great-granddaughter Layla. Ashley Crull and great-granddaughter Renae.

    Gene and Jan were married September 20th on his daughters’ birthdays. They have been together for 15 years and say” These have been the best years of my life” Camping, hiking, kayaking and RVing and just exploring the United States. Living the simple life.

    He started working at Caterpillar Company in 1958 and worked his way up the ladder to becoming plant manager. He retired from CAT after 31 years as Plant Engineer in manufacturing and as a training supervisor. He went back to work for Caterpillar as a supervisor in Mt. Clements, MI.

    Gene was president of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Reserve and received firearms training. In 1996 he was employed by Victoria Palms Resort in Donna, TX overseeing and organizing mew computer systems and helping with general administration.

    In Retierment, Gene worked at Palisades-Kepler State Park in Iowa and for the Iowa Department of Natural Resource at Pleasant Creek Recreation area in 2001. His love of mature and the outdoors adventure was shared with Jan. He spent summers as Campground Host with Jan at Lake Ouachita State Park, his favorite park in the whole world. He went on kayak overnight trips on Lake Ouachita several times and loved the outdoors.

    He did volunteer work with SCAT, Glenhaven Youth Ranch, and the Rice Depot and served on HSV Public works for 7 years. He loved and learned to do woodworking and had many wonderful projects and gifts he crafted. He loved helping people less fortunate than himself and would do landscaping for those who could not do it themselves anymore with his Kubota tractor.

    It was hard to admit it to myself, Gene said, but apparently everyone knew he was going to pass away one day soon. It wasn’t something he wanted to hear much less experience. He did not want anyone to know he knew. He did not want anyone to visit or see him sick, and that is what everyone wanted to do. With quiet gentle humor and a twinkle in his eye for detail for whatever he did, he walked through the journey of life; Giving his best to everyone. He knew “The Secret”, that Time and your health are the most pericous asset any of us will ever possess. He spent his time on this earth in Hot Springs Village in retirement, doing for others what was truly important to him and with the people he know were truly important.

    Thank you so much, Dr. Sorrel and Genesis Cancer Center, Dr. Drivers, Dr. Hollenbach, and Dr. Thaddeus Bartter at UAMS and Dr. Lowry Barnes.

    A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. at the church. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements are entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village. Guest may register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com

    In memory of Gene Kerr, memorials can be made to:

    Hot Springs Village Walk for Cancer Research:

    Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation

    P.O. Box 8412

    Hot Springs Village, AR 71910-8412

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  • Comments Below are Approved by Cedarvale Funeral Home before they are displayed.

  • 13 comments

    Terry, Bob, Tyler (Megan), Megan (Tim), We are so sorry for your loss. You and your extended family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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    Dear Jan and family, I will be there in spirit to celebrte Gene's life. Let the memories be your peace! Love, Peg Crull

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    Jan and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Gene was a wonderful friend to us and he will be missed more than we can say. He lead his life as a good Christian man and a great example to all men. We have many memories to cherish and hope that Jan will keep in touch. We loved him dearly.

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    Jan so sad to hear of Gene's passing. I will always cherish the last time we were with you and Gene, walking at Cypress Creek Park in Adona. He will be missed but not forgotten.

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    We just got to know you both and were shocked by the news. Prayers for the entire family. Your Bluegrass Friends

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    Len and I remember meeting Gene and his wife at Cypress Creek Park in Adona at a Bluegrass Jam--really nice folks. We will remember Gene fondly and will keep Jan in our prayers.

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    Thinking of you Tammy and your family at this time. You all have my sympathy and prayers. Janice Groff

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    Tammy and Terry, so sorry to hear of the loss of you dad. I remember his quiet manner and gentleness. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers

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    Gene was a great guy and I'm so sorry to hear of his death. There wasn't a thing that he wouldn't do for anyone. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

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    Sorry to hear of the death of good friend while at Cat.Enjoyed being around and with Gene Wesley

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    Mrs. Kerr and family I am so sorry to hear that Gene passed away. He was a driver for SCAT for quite a while, and dearly loved by his riders and staff. My heart is with all of you. Sam. (scheduler for Scat)

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    Had a lot of fun with Gene when we were boys and he has not change thru the years, the memorial that Jan wrote said everything about him, he would do anything for you , he was a quite gentle boy and man ,was very proud to call him friend for all there years. We'll see you soon Gene , Bill and Brenda

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    Had a lot of fun with Gene when we were boys and he has not change thru the years, the memorial that Jan wrote said everything about him, he would do anything for you , he was a quite gentle boy and man ,was very proud to call him friend for all there years. We'll see you soon Gene , Bill and Brenda

    Reply