Jul 23, 2018

Howard Duane Kerr, 87, of Burgettstown, died peacefully Sunday, July 22, 2018, in his home.

He was born March 12, 1931, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Andrew and Mary Ellen Kerr.

He graduated from Clairton High School then went on to serve in the U.S. Marines and Merchant Marines.

Mr. Kerr worked for Pennsylvania American Water Co. for 30 years, drove his own truck for 11 years, worked for GG&C Coach and Bus Co., and then worked two years for Alex Paris Construction.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Burgettstown, where he served on church council, a member of Burgettstown Knights of Columbus and was an active member of McDonald Sportsman Club, Alpine Hunting and Fishing Club, National Rifle Association and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Mr. Kerr trained and trailed English pointer dogs and was an avid hunter, who loved the woods and outdoors and caring for his animals. Although never a fan of cats, he later adopted three kittens, whom he adored. He was a volunteer for Trinity West Valley Hospice for 10 years and an RSVP and CERT volunteer for Brooke County, W.Va.

He was a good cook, loved reading history and especially enjoyed when family would visit. The world was a brighter place with Howard Kerr in it.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, JoAnn, whom he cared for deeply; sons Chris (Faith) Kerr, Lawrence (Li) Kerr and Shawn (Kim) Kerr; five grandchildren, Alex (Meghan) Kerr, Michael (Meghan) Kerr, Anna (Mark) Kerr Barga, Nicholas (Kara) Kerr and Sarah (A.J.) Kerr Danny; his great-grandchildren, Natalie Kerr, Thomas Barga, Lucia Danny, Augustine Kerr, Zachary Kerr, Troy Barga, Janna Danny, Wesley Kerr, Sarafina and Arturo Danny; brother John “Skip” (Pat) Kerr; sister Patricia (Kenny) Gillie; his former daughter-in-law, Jane Kerr; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his infant sister, Lorraine Kerr; brother Larry Kerr; and sister Janet Young.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Burgettstown, with the Rev. Bob Staszewski as celebrant. Following the Mass, a celebration of Mr. Kerr’s life will continue with a luncheon in Hanover Township fire hall, Burgettstown. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association, 40 12th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, or American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.

For further information or to leave condolences, visit www.youngfhinc.com.