John B. Kearns, 68, of Geneseo, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Hammond Henry Hospital - Long Term Care, Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a graveside service and inurnment on Saturday, June 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. Military honors will be accorded by the Don Cherry VFW Post #5083. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Aisle of Flags, Geneseo.
John was born on October 29, 1950, the son of Deloris, in Moline, IL. She married Doyle H. Miller, and together they raised their son. John attended Geneseo High School and Blackhawk College. He joined the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. John received the Purple Heart award, for injuries sustained during service in Vietnam. He continued to live a life of public service as a Geneseo volunteer fireman, and as a part of the EMT service. He was a police officer in Orion, Galva, and Geneseo. He also was with the Henry County Sheriff’s department. He retired from the Geneseo Police Department in 2006.
Survivors include his son, Michael (Heidi) Kearns, of AZ; grand-children, Michael, Jr., Zachary, Haile, Riley , and Keeley; mother, Deloris Miller, of Geneseo; sisters, Colleen (Doug) Jolly, Geneseo, and Roxanne Miller (Al), FL; brothers, Richard (Kathy )Kearns, FL, and David (Pam) Miller, IL; several nieces and nephews; and friend, Linda.