William Bailey "Bill" Kerr, 85, of Idaho Falls, died September 22, 2008, at his home.

He was born June 1, 1923, in Wellsville, Utah, to Elmer Leishman Kerr and Margaret Smith Bailey Kerr. He grew up in the Cache Valley and Preston, Idaho. He graduated from Preston High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended the University of Idaho in Moscow and graduated in 1947.

He married Nada Fryer and they were later divorced. In 1969, he married Lucile Severson Sommers in Idaho Falls. She died April 10, 2008. He worked at the Hanford Nuclear facility in Richland, Washington from 1948-1957. In 1957, he moved to Idaho Falls where he began working as a chemical engineer at the Atomic Energy Commission later known as the INEL. He retired in 1986.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, woodworking, electrical work, and gardening. Bill was known for his honesty and as "a character with wry wit."

He is survived by the following: sons: Richard (Joan) Kerr of Anchorage, Alaska; Tony Kerr of Nimpo Lake, British Columbia; John Kerr and David Kerr both of Idaho Falls; a daughter, Cynthia (Garland) Johnson of Orem, Utah; sisters: Margaret Lundsford of Preston, Idaho and Elva Atkinson of Dayton, Idaho; brothers: Tom Kerr of Logan, Utah; Larry Kerr of Gresham, Oregon; and Allen Kerr of Oregon City, Oregon; step-son, David (Susan) Sommers of Ririe; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Danielson.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2008, at the home of David and Susan Sommers, 14215 North 175 East in Ririe. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

Map to David and Susan Sommers Home for the Memorial Service