Thomas Raymond Kerr

Thomas Raymond “Tom” Kerr, age 78, of Sheridan, passed away Friday morning, December 11, 2020, at Spectrum Health, United Memorial Hospital in Greenville, following a brief illness. Thomas was born on August 8, 1942, in Dayton, Tennessee, a son of Andrew Valentine and Mary Magdalene (May) Kerr. He graduated from Dayton Schools and then served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for General Motors, retiring as a General Foreman from the Lansing assembly plant with more than 31 years of service. Upon return from his military service, Tom married the love of his life, Carolyn Ann Smalley, on August 27, 1966. He was a member of the Stanton American Legion, and Sheridan V.F.W. and the Ionia Moose. He enjoyed spending his retirement years on beautiful Holland Lake, and was an avid bowler making sure that his children and grandchildren learned how to bowl with good form.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Casey Hanline, a brother, James Kerr and two infant daughters, Tabitha and Kelly.

Tom will be remembered by his dear wife of 54 years, Carolyn, daughter, Kimberly Kerr and son, Todd (Shanni) Kerr; grandchildren, Alysha, Amy (David) Bahr, Killian and Jack; great grandson, Hunter; brothers Andy (Becky) Kerr and David (Cindy) Kerr; sisters, Valerie (Fred) Gave, Barb (Garland) Morgan, Velma Croft, Deb Ardis and Rosie Kerr; and a sister-in-law, Sandi Smalley; and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside service with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Balcom Cemetery south of Ionia. Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcomed to consider a donation in Tom’s memory to Ionia County Animal Shelter or the Humane Society. For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.