Willis F. Kearns, Sr.

Willis F. Kearns, Sr., 94, of Lewistown, passed away at 3:37 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2018, at Eagle Valley Personal Care Home, Milesburg.       

Born July 27, 1923, in Alfarata, he was the son of the late Clifton B. and Mary E. (Lash) Kearns.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Bernice A. (Kuhn) Kearns, on May 31, 2010; a son, Willis F. Kearns, Jr.; and his sisters, Betty Yeater and Melba Mertz.

He is survived by: his children, Gary L. Kearns and wife, Diana Mae, of La Mesa, Calif., and Janice E. McCloskey and husband, Wayne, of The Villages, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Maureen Kearns, of State College; five grandchildren, Jeff Kearns, Janine Rice and husband, David, Candace Middleton and husband, Kevin, Robin Maloney and husband, Ron, and Stacey Kearns and wife, Florence; and 14 great-grandchildren.  

Willis graduated from Lewistown High School, Class of 1941, and earned his technical electrician certification through Montgomery Junior College.

He served in the Navy as an Electrician’s Mate during World War II from October 1943 to January 1946.

He was a member of Little Valley Presbyterian Church.   

Willis worked in the Electric Shop at Standard Steel until his retirement in 1985.

He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham.  A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. James Bricker officiating.

Interment will take place in Little Valley Presbyterian Cemetery, Lewistown, with military honors by VFW Post 7011.

Memorial contributions in Willis’ memory may be made to: Little Valley Presbyterian Church, 1392 Vira Rd., Lewistown, PA 17044.  

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