Ted Kerr Obituary

Ted D.
Kerr
October 19, 1939
October 25, 2025

Col. Ted Douglas Kerr, 86, passed away on October 25, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A dedicated Air Force officer and accomplished aerospace professional, Colonel Kerr led a life marked by service, leadership, and commitment.
Born on October 19, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ted earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from North Texas State University in 1962. He later received a Master of Science in Aerospace Operations Management from the University of Southern California in 1969.
Colonel Kerr began his distinguished military career in September 1963 through Officer Training School. Over 25 years of service, he held key roles around the globe. Early assignments included senior director with the 746th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in Oklahoma City and weapons controller and training officer with the 601st Tactical Control Squadron at Sembach Air Base in West Germany.
In 1970, he transitioned into space and missile warning operations at Eglin Air Force Base. Subsequent assignments included leadership roles at NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain Complex and Headquarters.
Ted attended the Armed Forces Staff College and graduated from the Air War College. He commanded several Tactical Control units in West Germany, and led AWACS operations in Saudi Arabia.
Colonel Kerr retired in 1988 and continued his aerospace work with Honeywell International and Allied-Signal Aerospace Company. He also served on the Air Force Association's Pikes Peak Region board.
He is survived by his wife Polly Kerr; children Ted B. Kerr and Cindy Kerr; and grandchildren Jessica Gahl (Read), Finn Kerr-Stanton, and Annie Kerr-Stanton.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Brookdale Skyline, 2365 Patriot Heights, in the Skyline Room.