Bernard Kerr

Bernard J. “Bernie” Kerr Jr.

A life filled with unwavering devotion and support came to a peaceful close on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026. His legacy was defined by service, perseverance and good old-fashioned grit. He was tough as nails- a man of strength, integrity and determination who never quit, no matter the obstacle before him. During his courageous eight year battle with cancer, he faced each day with remarkable resilience and never complained. He inspired everyone around him to keep fighting and never give up. He didn’t just tell people to never quit-he lived those words every single day.

Bernard J. “Bernie” Kerr, Jr. was born in Trenton, New Jersey on September 13, 1949, he was the son of the late Bernard J. “Red” and Virgina Dooley “Ginny” Kerr of Flemington, New Jersey. His lifelong career of service as a military officer and in higher education spanned fifty-four years. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps. He began serving his country in 1982 and retired as a colonel in 2002. During his time in the Air Force, he taught graduate health administration for the U.S. Army-Baylor University program. Prior to his military service he worked in public health education from 1971-1975 and taught undergraduate health education at East Tennessee State University from 1975-1982. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he taught at Central Michigan University in the Doctor of Health Administration program from 2002-2025, retiring as a full professor.

Serving his country was one of the greatest honors of his life. As a Colonel in the United States Air Force, he proudly dedicated his career to defending the nation he loved. His commitment to duty, leadership, and excellence earned the respect of those who served beside him, and he carried those same values into every aspect of his life.

After retiring from the military, he found another calling as a professor for the doctoral program at Central Michigan State University. He believed that education opened doors and had the ability to change lives, a sentiment that he passed down to his children and his grandchildren. He challenged his students to think, to work hard, and to strive for excellence. He shared with them his never give up attitude and guided many of them to the finish line.

While he had many accomplishments throughout his career, his greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted father and an adoring grandfather whose eyes lit up whenever he was with his grandchildren. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines, celebrate their successes and encourage them to work hard to achieve their goals. They were his pride and joy!

He was always on a mission but in a rare moment when he was not, he loved visiting the mountains of Tennessee, bear and hummingbird watching and collecting antique clocks. Over the years, he carefully collected many timepieces, each one reflecting his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. Today, those clocks serve as a gentle reminder that while time still moves forward, the memories and lesson he gave will remain forever.

Though our hearts are heavy at the moment, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the family he cherished, the students he mentored, and the enduring example he set for us all. We will forever honor him by living as he did-with courage, integrity, perseverance and love.

Well done, Colonel. Your mission is complete!

Surviving are his:

• Wife of 56 years: Mary E. “Sue” (Sharp) Kerr
• Three Sons:
  • Brian and his wife Teri of Chatham IL
  • Brad and his wife Jessica of Freeburg, IL
  • Brent and his wife Ally of St. Charles, MO
• Daughter: Brittney Odle and her husband Christopher of Belleville, IL
• Five Grandsons:
  • Brice
  • Brady
  • Braxton
  • Brandon
  • Baylor
• Three Granddaughters:
  • Brenna
  • Bellamy
  • Brooklyn
• Brother: Raymond and his wife Melody of Bluff City, TN
• Uncle: Chris Knoster of Willow Street, PA
• Many beloved friends

Visitation hours will be on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. at Kurrus Funeral Home, 1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL. There will be a short service for family and friends on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. followed by internment with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO. Reverend Christine Lippert will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are invited to contribute to the Belleville School District 118 Foundation, 105 West A St, Belleville, IL 62220, or you may donate to a charity of your choosing in his memory.

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home