Gregory “Greg” Duane Kerr, 59, of Sugar Creek, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 23rd at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO; burial in New Salem Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22nd at the funeral home.
Greg was born January 21, 1958 in Oakland, California, the son of Stanford and Vera (Biggs) Kerr. He moved to Independence, MO, in 1973, where he attended Van Horn High School. In 1976, Greg enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and served 5 years as a Combat Engineer for the 110th Engineer Battalion. While he served, Greg was deployed to Panama and Honduras. In 1981, he married Debbie Deihl, who together had two sons, Joshua and Jacob. Greg was a member of Union Teamsters local 541 for 30 years, where he drove low boys, dump trucks and hauled heavy equipment. He was confirmed and baptized Catholic in faith and attended St. Marks Catholic Church. Greg was a life member of the VFW Post 3976 and a member of Masonic Lodge 76 in Independence, where he achieved 32nd degree in Scottish rite. Over the years, Greg and Debbie opened their home to many kids who became extended family. Greg was an avid outdoors man who liked to hunt, fish and look for mushrooms.
Greg is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie Kerr; two sons, Joshua and Jacob Kerr; granddaughter, Kamber Kerr; five sisters: Donna Lewis, Lori Fackle, Michelle Smith, Tammy Smith, and Christina Smith; five brothers: Carl Smith, Doug Meisner, Dennis Meisner, Dwane Meisner and Dale Meisner; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edna Sue and Phillip Patton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Caroline Deihl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanford Kerr; mother, Vera Smith; sister, Carla Thiess; and two step-mothers, Norma Kerr and Ruth Kerr.
The family wishes to thank Integrity Hospice for their love and care of Greg during his illness.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-8600