John Gilson Kerr

On the afternoon of August 31, 2024, John Gilson Kerr passed away of natural causes in his home in Bloomington, IN at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family. Johnnie was born in Bloomington, IN on November 27, 1932, and was the son of Elyet and Bessie (Hawkins) Kerr. Johnnie graduated from Bloomington High School in 1951. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from January 1953 to December 1954, in the Korean War, where he ranked as a corporal. Following his service to his country, Johnnie was an avid supporter of the American Legion, where he prided himself on giving back to his country’s service men and women. Following his time in the U.S. Army, Johnnie continued to work for Ralph Rogers/Rogers Group advancing from Laborer to foreman and finally to Superintendent overseeing asphalt construction projects. He retired from Rogers Group after 47 years of service. He continued to work in the asphalt business at Kerr Asphalt Paving for another ten-plus years. He enjoyed working with his children and instilling the life lessons he had learned throughout his career in the asphalt business. Johnnie grew up with his 5 siblings: Hanson June Trecha, Sue Weddle, Frank Kerr, Ralph Kerr, and his twin brother Charles Robert Kerr. Johnnie married Peggy Sue Boruff on January 14, 1956. Together they had 6 children, John Alec (Cathy), Jeanna (John) Sexton, Julia, Jeffrey (Becky), Dana (Laticia), and Jason (Kimberly), by whom he is survived. He is survived by 15 grandchildren, Isaac and Anna Kerr, Chris, Jessica (Jesse), and Cameron Sexton, Joshua Wathen, Amanda (Tyler) Prather, Laura (Ryan) Bush, Tiffany (Aaron) Kerr-Redlinger, Garrett Kerr, John (Samantha) Kerr, Rebekah (Jacob) Bauer, Elizabeth (Alexander) Salyers, Jonah Hotz-Kerr, and Jaxon Kerr. He has 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Peggy passed away on May 27, 1995. Johnnie then married Nancy Cutsinger in 1999 and she preceded him in death in 2015. Nancy’s children included Jill ( Mike) Riley and Teresa Mathis. Grandchildren Brandon and Grant Riley, Jennifer and Chris Mathis, and 5 great-grandchildren. Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and grandchildren Sarah June Kerr, Griffin Lee Kerr, and Avery Salyers. Services for Johnnie will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, September 6, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S Old State Rd. 37. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Gardens in Bloomington, IN complete with military rites. Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and an hour before the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hospice of Bloomington.

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John Gilson Kerr

November 27, 1932 - August 31, 2024