Samuel Wagner Kerr obituary

Samuel Wagner Kerr

6/18/1940 - 1/15/2021

Obituary For Samuel Wagner Kerr

Samuel Wagner Kerr, retired Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Judge, passed away January 15, 2021 at the Weirton Medical Accuity Care Center after a courageous battle with the Covid 19 virus.

He was born in Steubenville, Ohio June 18, 1940, the son of the late William S. Kerr and Carolyn “Annie” Kerr. He was Protestant by faith.

He graduated from Wintersville High School and was proud to have played on the 1957 undefeated football team under Coach Kettlewell.

After graduation from high school, Sam attended Washington and Jefferson College and received his undergraduate degree and his ROTC commission. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from the Ohio State University and was admitted to practice law in 1966.

Sam served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and was Captain of Artillery. While in Korea he received notice that he had passed the Ohio State Bar exam. He was granted special permission by the Ohio State Supreme Court to be sworn in by a 3-Star General, Andrew J. Boyle. This took place in an I Corp training exercise and was a very unusual and proud moment in his life.

After his military service, Sam returned home and practiced law with the firm of Quinn, Adulewicz and Kerr.

He was appointed County Court Judge, District 2, Dillonvale, Ohio and served in that capacity from 1970 to 1990. In 1990 he began his term of Probate/Juvenile judge and served as judge of this court from 1990 until his retirement in 2015.

Sam belonged to the Amateur Trapshooting Association, Life Member of the Ohio State Alumni Association, lifetime member of the Jefferson County Sportsman Club, lifetime member of the Friendship Park Board, Mingo Sportsman Club, the Ohio State Bar Association whom honored him with a 50-year proclamation, Jefferson County Bar Association, retired Executive Board member Oakview Residential Center, Veterans of Foreign War and the Elks Club.

Judge Sam loved his “Buckeyes” and was a member of the President’s Club. He loved his hunting trips to South Dakota with his buddies. He was an outdoorsman, loved fishing and nature, and could name most of the local trees and birds. He loved and took care of his labrador Mac, his rescue dog Buffy and his dachshund Courtney.

Judge Kerr leaves to mourn his passing, but with forever gratitude for having him in their lives, his wife of 47 years, Emily Hayes Kerr; daughters Laurie La Rue and Melinda (Jack) Humphreys; sister Carolyn (Allan) Turner of Hot Springs, Arkansas; cousin Sammie (Fred) Zeigler of Wytheville, Virginia; grandchildren Laurianne Smith, Robert Smith, Justin (Ashley) Humphreys, Kaylee LaRue and Alex LaRue, Madison Kerr, Samuel Hayes Kerr and their mother, Rachel Kerr; great grandchildren Jaxon Basil, Lincoln Beatty, Addelyn, Mackenzie and Easton Humphreys, Aubrey Smith and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his son, Samuel William “Billy” Kerr in 2015.

Due to the Covid 19 virus, private services will be conducted by Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home.

Judge Sam’s favorite charities are St, Jude Hospital, Wounded Warriors, VFW and the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.

Interment will be held at the family’s convenience where he will be laid to rest with his son, Billy.

To view the funeral service please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1oKL0yyD4w

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Condolences

09/03/2024

Samuel Gill Jr

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of such a great and caring friend. I will truly miss the afternoon chats about family and the the world. Your insight has brought me closer to understanding the true love of family, friends, puppies, and this crazy world we live in today. You will be missed and remembered here at the greenhouse. Rest in peace Samuel Kerr
09/03/2024

Bunny Hays

My prayers and love to you Emily and your family. Sam was a wonderful man and came to the rescue for Gloria and I many times over the years as you well know. He and Jim were on the same undefeated team in 1957 and remained we remained friends over the years...God bless your family and rest in peace Sam
09/03/2024

Sara & Rob Malcolm

Our condolences to the family of Judge Sam Kerr. He was truly a terrific person, judge and friend. He will be missed but his legacy will live on. He helped my family in ways only he knows. We are the better for knowing him. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace Sam and soar high.
09/03/2024

Marian Cunningham

I'm so sorry for your loss. I met Sam when he and my husband Perry were trapshooting together at Jefferson Sportsman's Club. You have my deepest sympathy.
09/03/2024

Minerva Elizaga

My condolences to the family of Judge Kerr. I only met him once but it was one of the most important days of my life. I passed the Ohio bar exam in July 2004, but was unable to be sworn in at the regular admissions ceremony. Being new to Ohio and living in Steubenville at the time, I had to find a local judge to swear me in. Judge Kerr graciously agreed after Attorney Jeff Brown made the request on my behalf. Judge Kerr administered the oath to me and is the first person to welcome me to the practice of law on December 21, 2004. My father flew in for the event, and Judge Kerr made it a special occasion. It's fitting that I now work at the Supreme Court of Ohio and have the privilege of updating his official attorney record. Rest in peace, Judge.
09/03/2024

George S. Callas

Our deepest sympathies. We've known Sam since he was a boy and have many wonderful memories. Prayers to you and your family. - Marian Cramblett, James Callas and family.
09/03/2024

Ann Restifo

Emily & family, I was shocked to see of Judge's passing. I am so sad. He was a wonderful boss & friend. I enjoyed working for him.You have my deepest sympathy & are in my thoughts & prayers. ❤ Ann Restifo
09/03/2024

June Smith

Deepest sympathies and prayers for all.
09/03/2024

Janis

I am so sorry for your loss, Emily. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🥰❤️
09/03/2024

Cathy Smurda

My deepest sympathy to Emily and the family. May God give you great strength.
09/03/2024

Gary and Anital Hallock

Dear Emily and family,I am so sorry to hear about Sam. He was truly a good guy. Even though we were political opponents, he always treated me with respect and total professionalism. This was the very definition of character and integrity. We became friends and had a mutual respect and admiration for each other. He will be greatly missed. Our sincerest sympathy, Gary and Anita Hallock
09/03/2024

Bill johnston

Sam was like a step father too me. I had the privilege too do allot of great times with same and his family. From hunting, fishing, and Buckye games. Also trap shooting. He was a great person and a very special friend!!! If I can do anything for the family please let me know! My email is william johnston930@gmail.com.
09/03/2024

Dana Ighnat

We send our deepest sympathies, may the memories you shared give you peace and comfort. Sam was the definition of integrity and we will remember him always. All our love, Chris, Dana, Aiden & Ava Ighnat
09/03/2024

Nikki Miller

I will always remember Uncle Sam as my mother's serious but jolly older brother. We enjoyed visiting him at his lake house and have great memories of 4th of July lying on the dock watching fireworks while the adults told stories and laughed. He was a source of comfort and family connection for my mom. We'll miss him very much.
09/03/2024

David Henderson

I am sorry to read of Sam's passing and my prayers are with you Emily and the family. Sam was always the kind of man and judge that I respected and that I am proud to call my friend. Judge David E Henderson, retired
09/03/2024

Renee Hickman
09/03/2024

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Samuel Wagner Kerr, give you peace, comfort and strength...Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.My thoughtsand prayers to the family of ....US Army Veteran, Samuel Wagner Kerr, is "A True American Hero" God Bless†† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
09/03/2024

Samantha Cook

I remember him vaguely as a child but as an adult I remember him well...as he sat on that Juvenile bench he gave me the greatest gift in the world. I will never forget him. So much love to all the family. My heart is broken for you. He was a great man. RIP, Sir. Give Billy a hug for me.
09/03/2024

Christine Hunt

Dearest Emily - It seems like yesterday when we were working together and you and Sam were dating. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many good memories of working with both you snd Sam. My deepest sympathy to you and your family - Christine Gall Hunt
09/03/2024

Rosemary McHugh
09/03/2024

James & Sharon Brady

Our Deepest Sympathy Sam's Family
09/03/2024

James & Sharon Brady

Our Deepest Sympathy to Sam's Family .
09/03/2024

Terry kettlewell

Sam was one of the good guys.He helped my mom and dad out over the years and I enjoyed our talk when I ran into him at Kroger's.rip Sam u will be missed
09/03/2024

Shawn Zarych

Dear Emily and Family,I am so so saddened of the passing of Judge Kerr. What a wonderful man. I work at the Jefferson County JVS, I would see and talked to Judge Kerr when he would walk his dogs up on the grounds of the JVS. I will miss our talks. Rest In Peace Judge Sam Kerr Shawn Zarych, Jefferson County JVS
09/03/2024

Mr & Mrs Burke Dale Sullivan,Jr

Sorry for your loss may the Lord bless you all at this time. Sam was a great friend we enjoyed many good times together. Our Love Mr & Mrs Burke D Sullivan Jr families.

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