Kerry Martin Anders, Sr.

Kerry Anders, of Eldersburg, MD, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 22nd, two months short of his 76th birthday.

Born May 22, 1950 in Washington D.C. to Robert Preston Anders Sr. and Norma Mitchell Anders, Kerry was one of seven children. He graduated from DuVal High School in 1968.

Following high school, Kerry went on to own and manage several 7-11 Stores in Baltimore City (which may have started his love for convenience store coffee), and attend baking school, before owning & operating a small neighborhood grocery store in Ellicott City— where he’d one day meet his future wife, Sue, in his check-out line (have her tell you the story sometime!). They married in 1995, beginning their love story in Ellicott City, welcoming daughter Carly in 1997 and son Kyle in 2001, before moving to Carroll County in 2006. Kerry will be remembered as not only the builder of the family’s beloved home in Eldersburg, but as the foundation of the family itself.

Ask anyone who knew him in the last few decades, and you’d likely hear of Kerry’s work as a general contractor, home remodeler, and everyday handyman hero. Happiest behind the wheel, he was often seen at drama club rehearsal or dance class drop-offs, driving across Maryland, to help his sons’ home renovations, pulling a float in Liberty's homecoming parades (2012-2019), shuttling his kids and their friends to the beach, or hauling trailers & trucks across the country for Titans of Dance conventions and Showbiz Dance Competitions for 14 years.

Kerry had a habit of quickly becoming an unwavering and irreplaceable fixture of the communities he found his way into; whether working any number of construction odd jobs, or more often, due to his unabashed support of his children’s varied artistic pursuits on & off stage; His handiwork graced dozens of productions at Liberty High School & Savage Dance Company spanning nearly a decade. He was adored and admired by everyone he encountered for his gentle presence, welcoming embrace, and loving smile (under his signature mustache).

A contractor, carpenter, upholsterer, hunter, fisherman, home baker, NASCAR fan, golf lover, car buff, Ocean City regular, unlikely patron of theater & dance, Discovery and History Channel marathoner, "Prop Dad", occasional Sam Elliott lookalike, part-time trucker, full-time Mr. Fix It— throughout his life, it’s no stretch to say Kerry wore many hats (both figuratively & literally, thanks to his extensive baseball cap collection). Never one to turn down a project, a learning opportunity, or a YouTube tutorial, his titles, talents, & accolades certainly exceed anything we could possibly imagine (or list here). 

His love was always most evident in the care he gave to the projects and people he selflessly helped, at all hours, without being asked or asking anything in return… just ask the family friends whose doorstep he arrived at, unannounced, having driven his tractor two hours down Route 32 to help with their patio project for the afternoon… before driving two hours back home.

Kerry is predeceased by his parents, and older brother, Robert Preston Anders Jr. In addition to siblings, Darlene Sanner, Pamela Johnson, Karen Birmingham, Michael Anders, and Brian Anders, Kerry is survived by his beloved wife, Sue, children Kerry Jr. & Holly, Kelly, Matthew & Catharine, Carly, and Kyle, and grandchildren, Jackson and Adelynn.

After months of navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and extensive treatment regimen, his loved ones find joy and peace knowing Kerry is now reunited with his beloved family dogs, no longer facing any earthly physical limits on his daily project to-do list… and that he somehow managed to sweet talk his way into one last roadtrip a few days before his passing (despite many objections & obstacles along the way).

Known as Mr. Kerry to the studio kids, Prince Charming to his wife of 30 years, and devoted Dad to his children, his legacy lives on in those fortunate enough to have known, loved, and be helped by him. Kerry’s compassion and generosity continue even now: saving and improving countless lives through his gift of organ & tissue donation.

Forever adored, eternally revered, & already fiercely, incomprehensibly, overwhelmingly missed… we love you more. Give us a call when you get there.

A celebration of life will be held on Kerry’s birthday, May 22, at the family’s home. We ask that you wear a favorite hat or t-shirt, and bring photos and stories to share. Please contact Sue or Carly for details or additional contributions. 

In lieu of flowers, monetary memorial contributions can be made to the family's GoFundMe for unexpected medical expenses, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in Kerry’s honor, as he always hoped.