No one will ever forget the Kerr Bear, and would do well to follow his example in life was the message that friends and his wife shared with those who loved and were touched by Sgt. Kerry Eason during the time he shared with the world.

Sgt. Eason, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 20, was laid to rest this past Thursday following services at Victory Baptist Church that featured four speakers and a crowd from all corners of the county to show their support for his family and those brothers and sisters he served alongside in blue.

Among those who paid tribute to Sgt. Eason was Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, who provided not just words of comfort, but memories of good times with his longtime friend.

“Everybody has loved on this woman, and this community has loved on his family,” he said. “It shows how much he loved everyone.”

His wife Deresa also shared on behalf of the family thanks for the outpouring of support from the community.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love, and taking the time today out of your schedule and away from your jobs… I’ve heard people say that they didn’t care if they lost their jobs, they were coming. Don’t do that. You know how Kerry worked,” she said.

Sgt. Eason was escorted to his final resting place at Polk Memory Gardens following the service by his brothers and sisters in blue. 

He had served in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since 2007, being promoted to Sergeant 2017 and had served in a variety of roles, including on the Drug Court Team and in the Crime Suppression Unit.

He was just 47 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife Deresa, his sons and their wives, his sister Amanda, and many extended and law enforcement family members who loved and cared for him daily.

You can watch the entire livestream from the event here.