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His family will remember him not only for the life he lived, but for the love he gave, the example he set, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary.

Thomas Mayfield Kearns, 83, of Fort Myers, Florida, and formerly of Jackson, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 19th, surrounded by the love of his family following a brief illness.

Tom was born on January 4, 1943, to the late William and Grace (White) Kearns. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that remained one of the greatest sources of pride throughout his life.

After returning home to Jackson, he met the love of his life, Sally (Rasp) Kearns. They married and shared sixty-one wonderful years together, building a life centered on love, family, hard work, and unwavering devotion.

Tom and Sally made their home in Columbus, Ohio, where they raised their daughters, Jennifer and Lisa. After a successful career with Coca-Cola, Tom retired, and they returned to Jackson to the historic White family home place, where he took great pride in caring for the property that had been part of his family's history for generations.

Retirement, however, didn't suit Tom for long. Never one to sit still, he accepted the position of Director of Maintenance and Grounds at the University of Rio Grande, where his strong work ethic and pride in a job well done were evident every day. Later, after many vacations to Southwest Florida, Tom and Sally settled in Fort Myers to enjoy the retirement they had worked so hard to earn.

Tom was happiest when he was busy. Whether working in his mancave, baking one of his favorite treats, lending a helping hand, or simply spending time with those he loved, he found joy in life's simple moments. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, determined spirit, deep love for his family, and the pride he took in everything he did.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Helmic; his brother-in-law, Wilbur "Tony" Helmic; his double first cousins, James Robert Kearns and Sally Kearns Frankland; his aunts, Margaret (White) Detty and Gladys (White) Blackburn; his uncles, Russell White, James Kearns, and Arnold Detty; his cousin, James D. Frankland; and his beloved grandparents, Mayfield and Edith White.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Sally Kearns; his daughters, Jennifer (Scott) Smith and Lisa (Paul) Lomano; his sister, Karen Brogan; his uncle, Jack Blackburn, niece Penny (Teddy) Bostic; grandchildren, Blayne (Catherine) Dickerson and Spenser (Tiffany) Dickerson; his great-grandchildren, Kyla, Kade, and Ember; and many extended family members, neighbors, and dear friends.

His family will remember him not only for the life he lived, but for the love he gave, the example he set, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared with him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the family he loved so completely.

The family will privately celebrate his life; donations to St. Jude's in his name may be made.