Kelly Alan Kerr

Kelly Alan Kerr, of Baton Rouge, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2023 at the age of 65.  Having grown up in Kansas and Missouri, Kelly graduated from David H Hickman High School (Columbia, MO) in 1976 and received a BA in Architecture from Louisiana State University in 1981. Having known since a family trip to the World’s Fair when he was 9 years old that he wanted to be an architect, Kelly achieved his professional goals of winning his first award before age 30 and opening his own firm in 1996. His work has been featured on HGTV and in Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, and House and Home. What was important to Kelly, though, was that the physical structure accommodated the needs of the people within, which is why he focused primarily on residential architecture. A creative powerhouse, Kelly was an artist, designer, writer, singer, and award-winning baker of pies.  His bombastic baritone voice has been part of the New Orleans Opera, Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, Camerata Singers of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and the Baton Rouge Opera.  Most will remember him from the University Presbyterian Church choir (since 1977) and the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (since 1989), an organization that he loved and served devotedly as president for many years. Kelly wanted other people to feel welcome and included. Whether he was working for full inclusion in the Presbyterian church, seeking out new chorus members at rehearsal to invite them to dinner, or opening up his home for his famous St Patrick’s Parade Day party, Kelly made those around him feel welcome, heard, and included.  Those around him were often gifted with his sharp humor and gift of balancing both charm and snark in the same conversation! A lifelong Francophile, Kelly was always up for a road trip or excursion, be it near or far.  His deep laugh, quick wit, and love of good conversation could make even a simple meal out with friends feel like an adventure.  His friends and family were the loves of his life. Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Lorna and Dean Kerr.  His sister, Marla Kerr-Lawson, has since passed.  He is survived by his wife Jill, brother Mike Kerr (Cathy), nephew Daniel Kerr (Kandis) and daughter Morrigan, niece Rebecca Munshaw (Gregg) and sons Colin and Evan, brother Kerry Kerr (Ruth), nephew Robert Kerr, niece Elizabeth Kerr, brother-in-law Terry Lawson, and nephew Cory Lawson. A memorial service will be conducted at University Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Mamie Broadhurst, on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be made in honor of Kelly Kerr to the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (P.O. Box 19365, New Orleans, LA 70179) or University Presbyterian Church (3240 Dalrymple Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802)