Michael Charles Dr. Kearl

Dr. Michael Charles Kearl, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 of a heart attack while on the Trinity University campus. He is survived and loved by his wife of 41 years, Joan, his sons Frank and Zachary, his mother Cordelia, and his brother Dan.

Professor Kearl came to Trinity University in 1977 and was chair of the sociology and anthropology department from 2001 to 2006. He was a beloved colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. In 2009 he received the Dr. and Mrs. Z.T. Scott Faculty Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding work as a teacher and advisor. He was a nationally recognized expert on the topic of death and dying and the concepts of time, family, and social gerontology.

Mike earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Dartmouth College and held a doctorate in sociology from Stanford University. In addition to sociology he studied gerontology and was one of the leading figures in establishing the sociology of death and dying. He was also the first layperson on the Texas State Board of Morticians and helped influence legislation that reformed the funeral industry.

Mike was a prolific writer, publishing the first textbook on the sociology of death and dying, a textbook on social psychology, and countless articles, essays and encyclopedia entries. We would like to defer to his description of the work he so loved:

"I believe that the processes of inquiry should be enjoyable interactive experiences, even if my subject matters are not always the most upbeat of topics. I believe that learning should be 16/7 and not confined to the 150 minutes of weekly class time that we have together. Teaching is an art, and of art Jack Nicholson once observed: 'My first acting teacher said all art is one thing--a stimulating point of departure .What you're supposed to do is keep people vitally interested in the world they live in.'"

He was an avid fly-fisherman and loved music, traveling with family and friends, and playing cribbage. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh.

A GATHERING OF FRIENDS

TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE

TUESDAY

MARCH 24, 2015

5:00 pm

TRINITY UNIVERSITY STIEREN THEATRE

IN THE RUTH TAYLOR THEATER BUILDING

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a forthcoming scholarship fund in his name for aspiring sociologists at Trinity University.