In 1905, with a horse-drawn hearse and rented carriages, W. Graham Kerr introduced the family firm of Kerr Bros. to the second block of North Broadway in Lexington. He and his twin brother partner, F. Skinner Kerr, had practiced as “Kerr Bros. Undertakers” in their hometown of N. Middleton (Bourbon County, KY) since 1903. Backing the brothers was their father, William H. Kerr, a farmer and standard bred horse owner trainer, who kept some of his horses in a stable still standing at 171 Saunier Avenue in Lexington. Joining the firm through the following years of WW I and WW II were other brothers, Clarence and Hervey and their sister, Lucy Kerr Bush. From this beginning, the Kerr family has proudly offered funeral services to Lexington for 99 years. Growing with the town, the family has participated in civic affairs, including government and health oriented activities such as owning Lexington’s first horse-drawn private ambulance. In 1935, the family partnership moved to an historic home on East Main Street to create the current funeral home. They improved the original location in 1954 and added a chapel in 1967, maintaining the homelike comfort for bereaved families, which continues to be provided today.

Now the continuing 3rd and 4th generations, John Kerr, Jr., and John Kerr, III, are further expanding by adding a modern second funeral establishment at 3421 Harrodsburg Road, thus providing two Kerr Bros. locations for growing Lexington. Joining in this enterprise is Billy J. Shell, who after being a Kerr Bros. Licensee for 15 years was offered a partnership in 1997.

The experience of 101 years of service is invaluable in providing knowledge of constantly changing population and funeral customs. Any chosen funeral service, including traditional, cremation, distant place of death or transfer can be accommodated. Lexington families can call on Kerr Bros. With confidence in its knowledgeable service, continuing its fine heritage.