Rev. Thomas A. Kearns
Deceased: 2021-12-16
Diocese: KANSAS CITY-KANSAS
ICTE Fall: 1997
Father Thomas Ambrose Kearns, 87, a Priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Villa St. Francis, surrounded by his loving family.
Thomas Ambrose James Kearns was born at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, KS on September 5, 1934 to John Patrick Kearns and Lillian Loftus. He went to Cathedral of St. Peter Grade School and graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1952. After graduation he attended Rockhurst College before completing his priestly formation at St. Thomas Seminary.
Fr. Tom was ordained in 1960 by Archbishop Hunkeler and faithfully served in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese until he retired in 2006, continuing to offer sacramental assistance in parishes until 2018. Fr. Tom was instrumental in establishing the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests in the archdiocese in 1972 and was an active member all his life. He also served in a variety of archdiocesan roles throughout his 61 years of priesthood.
Fr. Tom enjoyed spending time with his 10 nieces and nephews by celebrating sacraments, attending family events, especially holidays and parties and making the most of life’s challenges. He was an avid jogger and exerciser (Fr. Tom ran marathons in Lincoln, Nebraska and New York City), enjoyed attending Kansas City Repertory Theatre for 40+ years, and was always ready to go do something new.
Fr. Tom was a friend of priests, a lover of his family and a leader of parishioners. His joy and humor brightened lives and will be missed.
Fr. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillian, and his siblings, John Kearns and Ellen Kearns McCarthy.
The visitation will be from 4-5:30 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 5 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, KS. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22 at the Cathedral with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as the main celebrant and Father Tom’s brother priests concelebrating. The Vigil Service and the Funeral Mass will both be live streamed on the Porter Funeral Home website by clicking on Father’s obituary or going to the Cathedral’s website.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Villa St. Francis or the Catholic Education Foundation.
