Obituary of Curtis Eugene Kerr, Sr.

Funeral services for Curtis Eugene Kerr, Sr. of Elsberry, MO, will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Elsberry First Christian Church. Rev. Brenda Cockrell, Rev. Charleen Wheeler-Williams, and Rev. Mary Garrett will officiate, with burial to follow in the Elsberry City Cemetery. Curtis, 72, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026, at his home. Born on September 4, 1953, in Hannibal, MO, he was the son of Dempsey Wilson and Edward and Laura Mae (Overton) Kerr. A 1971 graduate of Van-Far High School in Vandalia, MO, he was united in marriage to Marsleen Steele on June 15, 1974, in Vandalia. Their union was blessed with two children, Curtissa and Curtis, Jr. A dedicated worker, Curtis spent 34 years with Waters Furniture in Vandalia in delivery and setup. Following his retirement, he worked for Abel’s Quick Shop in Elsberry for nine years and later served as a Therapeutic Mentor for Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri, where he supported at-risk youth. A man of deep faith, he was a longtime member and lay minister of Centennial United Methodist Church in Elsberry. Curtis was a "gentle giant" and a loyal servant of God. Known for his genuine kindness, honesty, and unwavering respect for others, he truly never knew a stranger. His daily routine revolved around his devotion to the Lord and his community. He spent hours visiting friends and neighbors, whether in person or by phone, even while bedridden. Curtis cared more for others than himself. He was a passionate fan of basketball and football, and enjoyed playing Pokémon Go. Affectionately known as "Mr. Horn" and "Fat Albert," his greatest joy was hosting game nights and spending time with those he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dempsey Wilson and Edward and Laura Mae Kerr; his beloved wife of 46 years, Marsleen Kerr (d. 2020); his son, Curtis Kerr, Jr. (d. 2002); and his "special son," Greg King (d. 2026); siblings Anna Steele, Hazel Walker, Barbra Jean Salmon, Linda Ross, Robert Kerr, Harold Kerr. Survivors include his daughter, Curtissa Kerr and her companion, Antonelli Wroten; his brother, Thomas (Roland) Kerr and his wife, Trae, of Rock Island, IL; and his former son-in-law, Ezra Allen Hunter, Sr. He leaves behind a rich legacy through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Charlyssa Kerr (and children Prince-Gabriel and Briella); Caytron Kerr and wife Tina (and children Devaun, Elaina, Ahmari, Ahlani, Brooklynn, and Baylee); Cayllen Cassaday and husband Zachary (and children Hunter, Emmallynn, Scarlette, and one expected soon); and AJ Hunter and wife Kimberly (and children Kristopher, Katarina, Donavin, Steven, Mathew, Micheal, Savannah, and Danielle; and great-great-grandchildren: Ezra, Malaya, and Kaylina). He is also survived by his godchildren: Shannon Dawkins, Michael Linson, Shea Erler, Amy King, and Bryon Curtis Mcclai; a loyal, trusted friend Anita King; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to Carter-Ricks Funeral Home (107 South 5th Street, Elsberry, MO 63343) to assist the family with final expenses.