David M. Kerr (OHS 1958) (Deceased), Odessa, TX Texas

In Memory

David M. Kerr (OHS 1958)

David M. Kerr, M.D.

(Feb 17-1940 --- Jan 27-2014)

AUSTIN, TX: We are deeply saddened by the passing of David M. Kerr, M.D., 73, who was called home to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 27, surrounded by his loving family. David, or Dr. Kerr to most all who knew him, was a brilliant mind who gave his life and boundless energy to help heal the sick, help mend the injured, mentor the afflicted and steward a great family. With a servant's heart, Dr. Kerr devoted his full time and attention to all who crossed his path and in need – no matter the cause, small or large, or effort required, minimal or considerable. In every capacity of his life, Dr. Kerr improved the lives of everyone he touched, whether as physician, teacher of the Bible, coach, or his greatest starring role – dad.

Dr. Kerr was born in Hobbs, N.M., on Feb. 17, 1940, and moved to Odessa in 1946, graduating from Odessa High School in 1958. There he met and fell in love with his one true "Lady," JoBeth Ford, and they married during Dave's senior year at Baylor University in 1961. He was a member of the Baylor Bear Southwest Conference Championship track team in 1960 and 1962. After Baylor, graduating with a degree in biology and English, he attended the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston from 1962-1966 and served in the Mu Delta Honorary Society. In the U.S. Navy from 1965-1970, Dr. Kerr served his internship at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and as a submarine medical officer on the USS Will Rogers. While in the Navy he was a Qualified First Class Deep Sea Diver, dive medical officer and was awarded the Gold Dolphin.

Within the community, Dr. Kerr's presence was felt far and wide. After finishing medical school, he began what would become a 20-year private practice, first on Shoal Creek Blvd. and later on Hymeadow Dr. In 1992 he became director of the Austin Police Department's Wellness Clinic, where he developed standards for fitness and set physical parameters for officers' health, consulted on criminal medical issues and oversaw personal care for department employees.

Forever a coach and teacher, Dr. Kerr's pastimes included youth sports and in the 1980s he turned considerable attention to sports medicine, where he was at the forefront of this expanding field of care. He was a constant presence on the sidelines at innumerable athletic events for both Round Rock and Westwood High Schools, along with the Town and Country Optimist, providing his expertise and personal assistance to training staff – or even treating athletes on his kitchen table.

Dr. Kerr was also an avid photographer with a treasure trove of photographic memories of his family, friends and travels. In the mid 1980s, he was also elected to the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees, serving for six years.

A dedicated Christian, he was a member of Grace Covenant Church for 40 years. After a 1974 presentation called "Walk Through the Bible," he helped form with five others a non-profit organization, The Institute for Biblical Studies, to expand its teachings to others.

Dr. Kerr is survived by an amazing family, including his wife, JoBeth; four children, Karen Madsen and son-in-law Russell Madsen, David Kerr, II, and finance, Kimberly Bushn, Kristin Thornton and son-in-law Brent, and Kalin Boenig and son-in-law Aaron; 10 grandchildren Megan, Daniel, Mitch and Makenna Madsen, Alicia Kerr, Morgan and Jack Thornton, and Kate, Ford, and Molly Boenig; two great grandchildren, Asher and Alise Wolverton.

A memorial service will be held on Feb. 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Covenant Church, 9431 Jollyville Road in Austin. Donation requests are listed in a special memorial website for Dr. Kerr at http://drkerr.weebly.com David