KERR, WHITLEY - Benton County, Arkansas | WHITLEY KERR - Arkansas Gravestone Photos

Whitley KERR

Bentonville City Cemetery
Benton County,
Arkansas

Whitley
August 31, 1866 - January 5, 1935

*Obituary
The Bentonville Record & Democrat & Sun
Thursday, January 10, 1935

PROMINENT BUSINESS MAN SUCCUMBS

Whitley Kerr, aged 68 years, well known businessman and member of the City Council, died at his home in Bentonville, Jan. 5th, 1935 at 11 o’clock that night. His death was not unexpected for he has been ill the past two months, following a heart attack, and was confined to his bed several weeks. He rallied on several occasions and seemed to improve. A week ago he came down to his place of business, but upon returning home suffered another attack from which he never recovered.

Mr. Kerr, the son of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Kerr, was born near Holly Grove, Ark., Aug. 31, 1866. His younger days were spent there and at Clarendon, the county seat. He came to Bentonville in 1894 and opened a furniture store in the building now occupied by Douglas Drug store, where he was located for 30 years.

On Dec. 16, 1897 he was married to Miss Clara Hamilton, the ceremony being performed by Rev. R. M. Taylor, pastor of the Bentonville M.E. Church, South. She is the daughter of the late Lewis G. and Maud Robinson Hamilton.

In 1915, Mr. Kerr formed a partnership with A.D. Callison of Rogers, and became president and manger of the Kerr & Callison Furniture and Undertaking Company. Through his long association in business, he became widely known throughout the county, Mr. Kerr took a deep interest in both civic and county affairs, serving as a member of the school board, and city council. He also served as a justice of the peace of Osage township for 25 or more years. He was a Mason of many years standing and one of the few charter members of the local Rotary Club.

The funeral service, which were held at the M.E. Church, South, on Monday afternoon, were largely attended. The quorum court, in session, adjourned for the funeral services and the business houses were closed during the hour. At a previous request of Mr. Kerr, the Rev. R.S. Hayden of Forrest City, officiated at the services. He was assisted by the pastor, Rev. W.L. Oliver and by Rev. E.E. Mace of the First Presbyterian Church. A quartet composed of Mrs. F.M. Brock, Mrs. Verona Martin, Dr. R.O. Pickens and R.C. Puryear, sang songs of his favorite hymns. They were accompanied on the pipe organ by Mrs. Raymond Davis. The floral offerings were large showing the esteem in which he was held. Following the services burial was made in the Bentonville cemetery. Pallbearers were J. R. Rice, C.L. D. Wharton, Fred Douglas, Chas. W. Foster, K.C. Campbell and Marvin Foster.

Besides his widow he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Wallace Crawford and Mrs. Arch H. Campbell, both of Tulsa. His youngest daughter, Mrs. Bobo Kerr Smith of Cassville, Mo., preceded him in death Jan. 9, 1929. Two sisters also survive, Mrs. Harry Lawrence of Clarendon and Mrs. E.S. McDaniel. A grandson, James Campbell also survives.

Clara
1875 - 1942

Contributed on 9/12/12 by wfields55
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Record #: 755398

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Submitted: 9/12/12 • Approved: 8/26/23 • Last Updated: 8/29/23 • R755398-G755398-S3

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