2026
Robert William “Bill” Kearns, 89, of Flora, passed away at his home on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Bill was born in Carroll County on December 23, 1936, to the late Robert D. and Nellie Bright Shanks Kearns. He graduated from Flora High School in 1955 and went on to attend Purdue University, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1959. While at Purdue, Bill was involved in ROTC and was a member of Acacia Fraternity. He was also a walk on member of the 1955 Purdue basketball team.
On December 14, 1958, Bill married Marcia Jane Williams in Burlington. She survives.
Following graduation, Bill served as an assistant County Agent with the Boone County Extension Office. He later returned to his roots, farming alongside his father on the family farm. Over the years, he also worked in agricultural sales, including with Charles Yeager, Moews Seed Corn, and Beck’s Hybrids.
Bill was a devoted supporter of Purdue University, proudly following Boilermaker athletics throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the John Purdue Club and held basketball season tickets since 1967. This past December, he had the special opportunity to meet Coach Gene Keady at a game and spend time visiting with him near Keady Court.
Another lifelong passion was the Indianapolis 500. The Kearns family has held tickets to the race for generations. At age 10, Bill attended his first race and continued on attending for 78 years. He even kept one of his early entry badges from his younger days. At home, Bill took pride in his “man cave,” where he displayed his cherished collection of Purdue and Indy 500 memorabilia.
Bill was a man of faith. He was raised Presbyterian and attended Flora Presbyterian Church for many years before later joining Living Faith Brethren Church. He was also a dedicated member of the Flora Lions Club, as well as a member of The Bachelor Run Conservancy District Committee. Bill was always willing to serve and support his community.
Bill’s life centered on faith, farming, family, and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jane; son, Michael W.Kearns of Lafayette; daughter, Lisa (Douglas) Spruill of Yorktown, Virginia; and two grandchildren, Tyler Douglas Spruill and Cassidy Jane Spruill. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, who died at birth.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Living Faith Brethren Church, 310 N 250 W, Flora, Indiana. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the church, with one hour of visitation prior. Pastor Guy Studebaker will officiate. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Living Faith Brethren Church.
Online condolences may be shared at www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Wheeler Family Funeral Home–Baker Chapel is honored to serve the Kearns family.
Condolences for the family 014
Kevin Clark
April 14, 2026 10:31 pm ·Rest easy my old friend, I will miss our conversations about Purdue and “The Race”. I feel honored to have gone to church with you all those years. Jane and entire family are in our prayers.
Boiler Up!
Love
Kevin and Martha
Tami Sanderson Richardson
April 14, 2026 10:41 pm ·I am sorry for your loss! My prayers to Jane and your family! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼 I feel like I have known Bill and Jane and their kids my entire life! Always the kindest man and my parents always thought of them as good friends over the years! May God Bless you all and I hope you treasure your many fond memories of Bill to carry you through!
Joyce Simpson
April 15, 2026 5:25 am ·Prayers for the family I’ve known Bill and Jane all my life went to church every Sunday lhe will be missed but Heavenly father has gained and angel Prayers and love to the family
Melinda Gilbert
April 15, 2026 9:13 am ·Jane, Mike and Lisa, I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I hope your many memories of all your times together will help to sustain you all at this time.
Ken & Dottie Goss
April 15, 2026 9:56 am ·Such a good man! The two of you have been such loving, caring friend. Bill’s ready smile, his quick laughter , & his caring heart will always be remembered with fondness. Recall the time we were snowed in during a blizzard. We attempted to travel back to Indy, but slid off the road only to be rescued by Bill on a huge tractor. We had to stay a few days until the storm passed. Hoosier hospitality for sure. We love you both & are glad Bill is in heaven, healthy & at peace with the savior. Our love & prayers, Ken & Dottie Goss.
Bob & Irene Hart
April 15, 2026 10:34 am ·So sorry for your loss, the entire family remains in our prayers.
Bob & Irene Hart
April 15, 2026 10:36 am ·We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Know the entire family is in our prayers.
Annette Tilton
April 15, 2026 10:45 am ·Jane, Mike and Lisa, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of our families spending time together growing up. My love and prayers are with you. May the Peace that passes all understanding comfort your hearts in this time. Remember the good and look forward to the time you will all be together again in our Lord’s glorious kingdom.
Love,
Annette
Kay Viney
April 15, 2026 1:20 pm ·Jane, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Donna Stonebraker
April 15, 2026 3:58 pm ·Jane and family , I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man, and a best friend of my husband for many years. You are in my prayers and my thoughts, God Bless.
Jim Siegfried
April 16, 2026 2:05 pm ·I was an Ag Econ major and a class mate of Bills. Bill and I and another classmate worked on several projects together. In more recent years Bill and I sat on the same row at Purdue Basketball games but on opposite end of the row. I have missed seeing him.
My condolence to his family.
Sandy Miller
April 16, 2026 2:17 pm ·Jane, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was such a good Christian man with a ready smile. Always enjoyed talking to him about Purdue and the Indy 500. I’m sorry I can’t be there due to a broken leg. Just know I will be praying for you.
Sis and Mike Evans
April 17, 2026 8:37 am ·To Jane, Mike, Lisa and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss and our deepest sympathy during this time of grief and remembrance. Bill was a uniquely wonderful person and his obituary lovingly says it all. May his memory be a blessing and comfort to you all.
Bill Clint
April 22, 2026 11:47 pm ·Miss you buddy.
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