Obituary of Thomas E. Kerr

Thomas E. Kerr, 86, of State College, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, August 18, 2017 at his home.

He was born October 8, 1930 at home in Kingsville, Pennsylvania, a son of the late William Ignatius and Josephine Keck Kerr. On June 25, 1955, he married Jean D. Raybuck, who preceded him in death on June 17, 2005.

Mr. Kerr was a graduate of Clarion-Limestone High School; he received a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and Finance in 1951 and a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1954, both from Penn State University.

Mr. Kerr served two years in the 112th Air Control and Warning Squadron of the U.S. Air Force. He was employed in sales by the Pennsylvania Refining Company in Kentucky and the Burroughs Corporation in Harrisburg. Mr. Kerr co-founded Nittany Office Equipment with his wife, Jean, in 1956 and served as president until his retirement. He founded Kerr Land and Cattle Company in Tusseyville in 1975. Beef cattle and farming were his hobby and passion.

Mr. Kerr was a member of the National Office Machine Dealers Association; National Office Products Association, serving as district governor in 1976; member and past president of the State College Rotary Club; and chairman for five years for College-Harris Sewer Authority. He was also a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, State College Area Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus and Torch Club.

He took particular pride and enjoyment from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Kerr is survived by two sons, Thomas Michael Kerr and his wife, Elizabeth, of State College, and Paul Andrew Kerr and his wife, Lynn, of State College; four granddaughters, Dr. Lauren Kerr Wallace and husband, Matt, of Cleveland, OH, Olivia Kerr of New York City, Natalie Kerr, of State College, Kristen Kerr of State College; two grandsons, Jonathan Kerr, Esq. and wife, Kelly, of Lewisburg, and Andrew Kerr of New York City; great-grandsons, William and Declan; great-granddaughters, Kate and Collins; goddaughter, Carla Hartzell and her husband, Dennis, of Hudson, MA; sister-in-law, Doris Kerr of Clarion; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved cats, Calico and Jalico.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Kerr was preceded in death by an infant brother, William Kerr; brothers, John Kerr of Cochranton, James Kerr and his wife, Marion of Erie, and Dr. Robert Kerr of Clarion; and brother-in-law, James F. Raybuck and his wife, Patricia of Clarion.

Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College.

A mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College, with Reverend Jonathan Dickson officiating.

Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery, Boalsburg.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.