Robert Hoyle Kerr

Robert Hoyle “Bob” Kerr, 86, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with his family at his side.

Bob was born March 1, 1939, in Maryville, Tennessee to Ira Raymond and Vola Elizabeth (King) Kerr. He grew up in Highland Park, Michigan and graduated from Highland Park High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a Radio Operator from 1962 to 1964. After a long career as a master electrician, Bob retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local #445, Battle Creek.

Surviving are his daughter, Kimberly (Shannon) Thayer of Battle Creek; two sons, Robert (Brenda) Kerr of Ann Arbor, Ken (Andrea) Kerr of Tekonsha; eight grandchildren, Mitchell Heikkila, Sahara (Jacob) Basye, Brooke (Douglas) Lindeman, Eric Heikkila, Hunter (Zoë) Thayer, Rachael Kerr, Cassidy Kerr, Robin Kerr; five great-grandchildren, Jack Basye, Henrik Lindeman, Owen Basye, Henry Basye, Elizabeth Lindeman; a sister, Elizabeth Mondoux of Caledonia, MI and several nieces, nephews and their families. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vola and two brothers, Frank Kerr and Jack Kerr.

Bob was a lifetime member of Ira A. Beck #503 Free & Accepted Masons of Michigan and Saladin Shrine of Grand Rapids, MI. As a volunteer, Bob drove those in need to and from the Shriner’s Hospital in Chicago for medical appointments. As a member of the Shrine Club, he drove the Mini-500’s in area parades. Bob will be remembered as a great storyteller and a loving brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Friends will be received 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday during the visitation hours. Military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the all-volunteer Fort Custer Honor Guard will be conferred at Fort Custer National Cemetery 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ira Beck Lodge #503, 133 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.