David Leslie Kerr

David Leslie Kerr, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his family on November 29, 2018 in Kansas City, MO. Born July 17, 1960 to Phyllis (Hauck ) Kerr and David Leslie Kerr, David attended Shawnee Mission East High School, graduating in 1978. He then attended Southern Methodist University, where he was a proud member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.

After graduation, David returned to Kansas City where he launched a successful banking career at Waddell & Reed. His achievements and strong work ethic at the company led to his meteoric rise from Kansas City to Wall Street in 1986. He worked tirelessly to make a name for himself as one of the top traders in the country. It was an exciting time on Wall Street giving David access to many adventures.

In 1992 David hit the jackpot and married his longtime girlfriend Karen Betzelberger. The happy couple spent three more years in New York City. After the birth of their first daughter, Jacqueline, David and Karen returned to Kansas City and welcomed three more beautiful daughters: Elaine, Alexandra and Christina. David loved being back in Kansas City, close to family and friends. David was a member of Lawrence Beach Club, Rockaway Hunt Club and The Kansas City Country Club.

Above all else, David cherished spending time with his family. His ideal afternoon was lounging poolside in his backyard with his family listening to his favorite music. He treasured his house and enjoyed the hours spent maintaining it. Besides his family, David had many loves including Hawaii, the Chiefs, the Beatles, James Bond, the Jayhawks, fireworks and politics.

He is survived by his wife Karen, his daughters, Jacqueline, Elaine, Alexandra and Christina; his sisters Lisa Hamilton (Mike) and Phyllis Quevedo (Rafael); his fairy godmother Dee Dee Arnold and 10 nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his parents, Phyllis Hauck Kerr and David Leslie Kerr. Friends on the east and west coasts mourn the passing of a good friend.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 13 at 4pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Blood and Marrow Transplant fund at the University of Kansas Health System in memory of his loving mother Phyllis. Donations can be made payable to The University of Kansas Health System and mailed to Fund Development, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Westwood KS, 66205 or visit https://giving.kansashealthsystem.com/tribute to give online.