Born October 7, 1934 in Tisdale, Kansas, he was the son of Raymond and Osie (Brooks) Kearns.  He was raised and received his education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1952.  On August 16, 1954, Bob married Phyllis Keesey.  The couple made their home in Winfield.

In 1956, he joined the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and later, Hawaii.  Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959 and returned to Winfield where he began working for Federal Supply.  In 1969, he began Kearns Painting and Repair and operated the business until 1971 when he went to work for AAA Merchandise Mart.  Bob and Phyllis had two children and later divorced.

Bob was united in marriage to E. Irene Kunkel, on January 22, 1983 at Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield.  The couple made their home in Winfield.  In 1986 they purchased Bob's True Value Hardware in Winfield.  They owned and operated the hardware store for 18 years until selling it in 2004.  Irene preceded him in death on January 3, 2011.  In June of 2012, Bob married Patricia Smith at Central Baptist Church in Winfield.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club.  He loved cats and enjoyed playing tennis and bowling.  He received an award from the NBC Bowling Tournament for attending the event for over 25 consecutive years.  He and a group of friends would meet every Sunday morning before church to play tennis.

His family includes:

His wife:  Pat Kearns of Winfield;

His children:  Kollene Hudson and husband, Mike of Winfield; Teresa Young and husband, Melvin of Maple City; Kody Kearns and wife, Michelle of Lafayette, LA; Steve Kunkel and wife, Judy of Winfield;

His brother:  Richard Kearns of Winfield;

His grandchildren:  Misti Baker; Clayton Young; Jennifer Valentine; Eric Hall; Bradley Clarkson; Kaitlyn Kearns; Grace Hall; Kristopher Young; Abigail Kearns; Jonathan Hudson; Jenny Hinerman; and Michelle Hudson;

Her 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Irene, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Harvey Kearns.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.  Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Monday evening from 5 to 7.  The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Bob's name for the Cowley County Humane Society and for Grace United Methodist Church.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.