Born in 1920 in Chester, Penn., he was the son of the late Karl and Minnie Kerth. Mr. Kerth graduated from Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) and Columbia University School of Law. He was admitted to New York and federal bars. Mr. Kerth engaged in admiralty practice with New York City law firm Haight, Gardner, Poor and Havens from 1952 until 1957 and subsequently was employed as an in-house counsel by Caltex Corporation, a subsidiary of Chevron and Texaco, retiring in 1982.

Mr. Kerth served in the United States Navy, Atlantic and Pacific Theaters for five years during World War II, attaining rank of Lt. Commander prior to release to inactive duty. On May 18, 1945 while in Okinawa, his ship, the USS Sandoval, was attacked and Lt. Kerth assumed temporary command and brought the ship safely back to Pearl Harbor. He subsequently received an outstanding performance of duty recognition. He had previously sailed as a licensed officer in the Merchant Marine where he held Unlimited Masters License.

Upon his retirement he moved with his wife Jessie from Blauvelt, N.Y., to Hendersonville, N.C., and subsequently relocated to Tryon Estates, Columbus. His wife preceded him in death in December, 2005 after 62 years of marriage.

He was a member of Rockland Country Club, Sparkill, N.Y., while living in Blauvelt and Hendersonville Country Club.&bsp; Mr. Kerth was also in the legal fraternity Phi Delta Phi.

Mr. Kerth is survived by two sisters; Elsie K. Allen of Garnet Valley, Penn. and Josephine K. Mattie of Wilmington, Del. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

An online guest register can be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel,&bsp; Tryon.