In loving memory of John Joseph Kearney - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

John Joseph Kearney, Sr

May 9^th, 1951 – July 29^th, 2020

Father, Veteran, Mechanic and Truck Driver

It is with a very sad and heavy heart that the family and loved ones of John Joseph Kearney, SR., of Bunnell, Florida announce that he made his final transition peacefully from this earthly plane of existence, in hospice and with family by his side on July 29^th 2020. Daddy was only 69 years of age.

Daddy was born on May 4^th, 1951, in Monticello, NY. He was the youngest child of 9 children by the late William H. and Julia Murns Kearney.

Daddy was both a graduate from Monticello High School and an enlisted service man in the U.S. Army in 1969 when he turned 18 years old. He honorably and faithfully served his country for over 14 years-first as an infantryman, then later as a food services specialist.

He received several medals of honor for his service to his country-these were: Expert Rifleman; National Defense Service Medal; Good Cadet Medal with 3 Bronze Loops; and Army Service Ribbon for Overseas Medal.

During the early course of his military career, Daddy lived in Columbus, Georgia, and was stationed in such places as Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Erlangen, Germany in the early 1980’s, and eventually was honorably discharged from service in Ft. Hood, Texas in 1983.

After leaving the service, Daddy went on to become a manager for U-Haul in Killeen, Texas, and he was also employed as a school bus driver for Rolling V Bus Corporation in upstate Sullivan County N.Y., as well as a mechanic for Webbs’s Service Repair in Lakeland, Florida when he relocated in the early 1990’s. In his later years, Daddy was also employed as a mail delivery driver for the U.S. Postal Service.

In his personal life, he was a loving, devoted husband and father of 4 children. He was married to Mommy for over 45 years, and loved her very much, in sickness and health, for better or worse.

When his wife, my mother became seriously ill and was placed in nursing care in 2012, Daddy was the one who came to see her every day, faithfully and loyally for over 8 years- Daddy then became one of the most passionate advocates of those who are placed in skilled nursing homes and with great wit, humor and charm, won over both the nursing home staff in Auburndale, Florida, and Daytona Beach Florida. Daddy was one of the most patient, gentlest people that I have ever personally known.

On a more personal note, Daddy enjoyed smoking a cigarette and having a cold beer, while watching WWF wrestling matches in his private time. Daddy also enjoyed nature, and that is where I learned to share his love of the great outdoors.

Sadly, Daddy was preceded by Mommy in her passing in December 2019. This was a tremendous loss for him because she was his devoted life partner for over 45 years; Daddy was never the same after he lost her, and I firmly believe that he wanted to be with her as well. Together, they raised a family of 4 children, certainly no easy feat for an Army man! My parents had a wonderful life full of adventure and hope together, and now they are finally reunited together again!

Daddy was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back and help anyone who asked- he had a great and generous soul.

Daddy, we will miss you greatly and please rest well in peace- you both deserve it!

Until we all meet again,

farewell Daddy,

Forever Your Loving Daughter,

Peaches

P.S. As Daddy requested, I will be bringing both of my parents’ cremated earthly remains back to El Paso, Texas to our property to rest eternally-the very kind staff of Baldwin Brother of Ormond Beach, Florida have helped us through this difficult time and they deserve much praise for assisting in their final arrangements.

Daddy was preceded in his passing by his loving wife of 45 years, Rethea W. Kearney, and his loving sisters, Anna Laufersweiler and Bridget P. Kearney of Florida, along with his brothers George Murns, Arthur “Artie” Kearney, William “Bill” Kearney, Richard “Dickey” Kearney, and Francis William Kearney.

Daddy is survived by his last living brother, Floyd “Buddy” Kearney and his four grown adult children; his name sake, and oldest son, John Joseph Kearney, Jr. also known as Johnny or “J.J.” and his wife, Peggy Sue, of Bunnell, Florida, his younger son, Francis “Frankie” William Kearney, his two daughters, Peaches A. McCullough and her husband Dwayne of El Paso, Texas, and Sherie W. Turpin and her husband, James of Baltimore, Maryland.

Daddy is also further survived by 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild – Chyenne, Kierra, Logan, Skylar, Maddie, Jocelyn, Tiara, Olivia, Charlotte, Jeremy, Allyiah, Alyssa, Miranda, Lillian, and Abigail.

There will be no funeral service- though Daddy well deserved this honor to have his life remembered and celebrated-and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to these fine organizations:

The American Heart and Lung Association

The American Cancer Society

The Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in Palm Coast, Florida

Any organization that supports and honors your Armed Service Veterans