SFC Joseph Anthony Kerwin, US Army (Ret.), 75, of West Columbia, died on Monday, January 12, 2026. Born on July 30, 1950, in Jamaica, New York, he was a son of the late Edward Francis Kerwin and Gertrude Edith Gish Kerwin

SFC Kerwin honorably served his country in the US Army for 22 years. During his enlistment he received many decorations for his patriotism, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Service Defense Medal, and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon. His service allowed him to travel throughout the US but also to Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. Landing in South Carolina gave him perhaps his biggest challenge, turning a Bronx kid into a southerner.

Following his military career, SFC Kerwin was employed by the United States Postal Service for an additional 20 years. He took pride in knowing everyone on his route personally, adding a forgotten stamp or carrying things to the door when needed.

He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Charwood Country Club where he and his wife lived on the golf course. He took pride in his yard and went all out for the holidays, particularly for Halloween. Joe loved being outdoors, especially when he had the opportunity to go hunting or fishing with his three sons. He loved to travel, particularly to the beach where there was more golf, with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Dale D. Kerwin; sons, Joseph C. Kerwin (Cynthia) of Lugoff, Brian E. Kerwin (Jane) of Lugoff, and Patrick J. Kerwin (Courtney) of Stevensville, MD; stepdaughter, Dawn Darby (James) of Columbia; grandchildren, Matthew Kerwin, Cooper Darby, Jacob Kerwin, Laura Darby, Caroline Kerwin, Rylan Kerwin, Tyler Kerwin, and Logan Kerwin, as well as his siblings, Raymond Kerwin (Barbara), Kathy Kerwin, and Frank Kerwin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Amy Marion Kerwin, and his brother, Edward Kerwin.

The family will receive guests from 4 until 6 o'clock, Sunday, January 18th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.

The graveside service for SFC Kerwin will be held at 1 o'clock, Thursday, January 22nd at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be sent to The Therapy Place (thetherapyplace.org) or Wounded Warriors (woundedwarriorproject.org)

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.