John Paul (“Fella”) Kerr

John Paul (“Fella”) Kerr, husband, father, brother, friend, teacher, and avid golfer passed away on January 8, 2025. This native to El Paso was quick to laugh, made friends easily, and truly enjoyed his life to its fullest. Fella could find the positive in almost any situation and genuinely thrived on providing happiness and humor to those around him. His generosity knew no bounds and he was always a perfect gentleman.

Fella was a lifelong teacher, mainly of history to middle school students. He and his wife Barbara were career teachers for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS). Fella got his start in Ankara, Turkey, and retired from Lakenheath American Middle School, at RAF Feltwell in the UK. Through his charisma, wit and corny jokes, he was very well respected and loved by the faculty and students alike.

He and Barbara moved to Sun City in 1998 and he quickly became a regular and formidable friend on the golf course(s). The friendships and camaraderie that Fella found on the golf course was the pinnacle of his retired life. He truly loved it.

After a lifetime of making many cherished friends and memories, Fella is survived by Barbara, his wife of 52 years, his sister Jane Meyers, daughter Sarah, and granddaughters Eleanor (13) and Victoria (6). He also is survived by many nephews, nieces and their families. Fella is reunited in passing with their daughter Elizabeth Sue Kerr, his parents John Paul Sr. and Elizabeth Kerr, his sisters Elizabeth (Ann) Smith, and Nancy Florence and their spouses, and countless friends and family that we fondly remember.

May he find peace and happiness from the great golf course in the sky.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or Samaritans Purse are greatly appreciated. A tree-planting ceremony at Sun City will be organized in the coming weeks.