Gene Garrard Kearns, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Edgemont Nursing Home in Cynthiana, KY. He was born in Harrison County on November 27, 1926, to the late Rector and Mary Frances Garrard Kearns. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Kearns; a sister-in-law, Lexie Kearns; and a son-in-law, Wayne Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, JoEllen Blackwood Kearns; a son, Mark (Linnie) Kearns; a daughter, Lois Stewart; three grandchildren, Mary (Charles) Pulliam, Kayle (Garrett) Johnston, Perry Kearns; a great grandchild, Hensley Johnston; and one sister-in-law, Donna Blackwood.

Gene served our country in the Navy during WWII and was a minister for 67 years. The last ministry was at Antioch in Corinth, KY. He was a Pendleton County State Representative for Kentucky Tourism, a member of the Kincaid Theater Board, the Board of Directors for Camp Northwood, and Falmouth Library Board. He also enjoyed reading and loved people, being social was a joy for him.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Ware Funeral Home, with visitation prior to that, beginning at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be in Battle Grove Cemetery, and Dr. Larry Bishop will preside over services. View and sign the guestbook at www.warefuneralhome.com.