Thomas E. Kearns

Having lived courageously with the after effects of a severe stroke on June 7, 2015, Tom passed away Friday December 14 at Riverside Hospital. Born August 3, 1931 in Columbus, OH. Preceded in death by parents John T. and Teresa (Blair) Kearns, brothers Jack S. Kearns, Robert C. Kearns; sisters Mary (Kearns) Wollenberg, and Marguerite (Kearns) Rader; and, Edward W. (Bill) Rader. Survived by nieces Frances A. (Rader) Bailey and Leah (Hawver) Rader, Patricia (Wollenberg) McCune, Cecilia (Wollenberg) Teschler, Ann (Wollenberg) Henderson, and nephews; Joseph Wollenberg; Michael Wollenberg; and Mark Wollenberg; numerous great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Tom will be dearly missed by his family, especially Rick and Julie Mask; and, his lifelong friends Tom and Nancy Beck, and Dick Culbertson.

Tom had many, many close and special friends in the Columbus and Millersport area. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to longtime friend Craig Foster and Aquinas brother Jack Quinn who visited Tom regularly and brought him comfort. Thanks, as well, to friend and fellow Hibernian Jim Moore, and friend Lee Gilkerson who recently performed a private concert for Tom. Much appreciation too, to Tom's Buckeye Lake neighbors and friends Laura Donnelly and John and Stacey Donnelly for their care and watchfulness on Tom's behalf. Sincere thanks to Devon Gaydosh and all those at OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital who provided excellent rehabilitative care to Tom.

Tom was a Korean War Veteran, U.S. Airforce (1951-53). He was a member of the Buckeye Lake VFW, Eagles, and AMVETS. Tom retired from the Columbus Division of Police in 1990, following 30 years of service.

Tom graduated from Aquinas College High School, Columbus in 1950, where he played varsity baseball and football. Tom was also a member of the 1951 St. Clair Columbus All-City Football championship team. Tom attended The Ohio State University. He loved Notre Dame and enjoyed playing golf.

Tom was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Millersport, OH; and, recently Our Lady of Peace, Columbus. Tom was a long-time member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and The Shamrock Club.

Friends may call at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. Broad Street  Thursday, December 20 from 3 to 6 p.m.  Tom’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, St. Joseph Cemetery, Saturday, December 22 at 11 a.m. 

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