Reginal Doin "R.D." Kerley

Reginal Doin Kerley passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28,2022.

R.D. Kerley saw the good in people, his famous saying was “they are a diamond in the rough”. He was compassionate and had a positive attitude through life.

He grew up in Elizabeth, Arkansas and came to Kansas City on his high school graduation day with $5.00 in his pocket and his tin suitcase. He was an Arkansas country boy that found success in the big city. He worked in the mail room for an advertising company; he soon took a job as a stock boy at Hotz Company, Inc, it wasn't long until he became a sales representative selling carbon paper and typewriter ribbon. In 1964 when his daughter was 6 weeks old he and his wife Jo Ann took a leap of faith and purchased The Hotz Company, Inc. He grew the company from 3 employees to over a 100. R. D. mentored many of the Hotz employees and he was pleased when they had success after their career at Hotz.

R.D. Kerley will be remembered for his tough negotiating skills and smart business sense. Hotz was a family business and he taught his children how to run a successful company. The Kerley’s were a family that worked together and had fun together.

His children will remember him with fond memories of going to Chiefs and Royals games, teaching them to ride bikes, swim, riding go carts in the neighborhood, fun times at the Lake of the Ozarks and great family vacations. The Kerley’s had many great times together as a family and are left with wonderful memories.

He was a beloved husband to Jo Ann (Woolard) Kerley who preceded him in death in 2015. She loved that he complimented her cooking, she knew she could redecorate the house and he would be happy. R.D. and Jo Ann were able to travel the world together; now he has traveled to his heavenly home to be reunited with her.

After the passing of his wife, R.D. and his friend Carol Shrout enjoyed traveling and dining out with friends. She will miss sharing McDonald’s cone in a cup with him. Jeff, Carol’s son, and R.D. were good friends. Carol’s son Brad and Jeff were very helpful to R.D.

He is survived by his children Cindy (Kerley) Blessen, son-in-law Greg Blessen, son Russ Kerley and his wife Susan. His sister Zerah (Kerley) Tyree and brother-in-law Windell, brother- in-law Perry Woolard and his wife Paula, nieces and nephews along with many relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Jo Ann (Woolard) Kerley, his father Clovis Kerley, mother Bonnie (Foster) Kerley, and sister Linda Kerley.

Services will be held at Woods Chapel Church Wednesday, May 4 2022 Visitation at 9:30 am Service at 11:00am. Private family burial.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Woods Chapel United Methodist Church 4725 NE Lakewood Way Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.

Ronald McDonald House 2502 Cherry St Kansas City, MO 64108