David T. Kerr

David Thomas Kerr, age 79, of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 13th at home after a long, courageous, and complicated health journey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pamela, daughters Kathleen (Carlos) Oxholm and Sarah (John Kraynek) Kerr, and his 7 grandchildren, Christian/Fae, Charles, Madeline, Samantha, Chloe, Noah, and Claire. David was born on September 18, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to Rena and Theodore Kerr. He was the middle child of nine and learned from an early age the importance of faith, family, and always having someone by your side. His childhood home in Royal Oak was filled with music and laughter-and, with nine children under one roof, more than a little chaos. David was proud of his Native American heritage, a part of who he was and a connection he carried with him throughout his life. David married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Pam, on Valentine's Day in 1969. For the next 57 years, he showed the world what it meant to love someone wholeheartedly. Every anniversary, David gave Pam a dozen red roses, along with two yellow roses for their daughters, Katie and Sarah-a tradition that became a beautiful symbol of the love he had for his family. Family meant everything to David, and he found some of his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and celebrated every accomplishment as though it were the greatest achievement in the world. Every at-bat was a home run, every soccer shift ended in a goal, and every note played was always perfect in Grandpa's eyes. He was their biggest fan, their loudest cheerleader, and someone who made sure they always knew just how proud he was of them. David's passion for fishing was lifelong and something he loved to share with the people around him. He was happiest on the waters of Carp Lake, fishing for walleye with his family, or out on Lake Erie with his fishing buddies. For David, fishing was about much more than catching fish. It was about being outdoors, telling stories, sharing laughs, and making memories with the people he loved. He also loved a good meal surrounded by family and friends-and he always saved room for dessert. David had a way of making ordinary moments feel special simply by being there. His laughter, his stories, his generosity, and his unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered. David leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will continue through his wife, Pam; his daughters, Katie and Sarah; his grandchildren; his extended family; and the many friends who were fortunate enough to know him. If you would like to make a memorial contribution in honor of David, please consider a donation to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit, an organization that reflects David's lifelong belief in the importance of faith, family, compassion, and helping others. And in true David fashion, he left us with one last request: "I'll have my cherry pie now!" Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Rosary service at 7 p.m.) at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd, Royal Oak MI. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. (9:30 visitation) at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Rd., Royal Oak.

David T. Kerr

September 18, 1946 - August 13, 2026