Philip Burton Kearns

Philip Burton Kearns March 18, 1925 " October 12, 2012 Phil, Dad, Grandpa, G-pa, as he was known by his friends and family, passed away shortly after noon on Friday, October 12, 2012, at the age of 87. A 49-year resident of La Mirada, Phil was active in community affairs, volunteering for his church, the La Mirada Public Library, and the Fullerton Arboretum. In the meantime, he was busy putting food on the table and making mortgage payments via his career in the oil industry. He spent 25 years with Shell Oil followed by shorter stints with Tosco and Newhall Oil. Philip Kearns attended U.C. Berkley and graduated from their ROTC program as a Navy Lieutenant just in time for the end of WWII. He was reactivated for Korea and spent much of his tour under water as an Executive Officer of his submarine. Along the way he met and married Kathleen Taylor of Greensburg, Kentucky. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and raised three children, who in turn produced six grandchildren and one, so far, great granddaughter. Kathleen predeceased Phil by ten years. Philip loved to garden. And out of a pitifully small plot on his side yard, he produced enormous quantities of tomatoes, beans, squash, and anything else he put his mind to grow. When the grandkids came to visit, his garden was one of the first things he took them to see. Phil, Dad, Grandpa, G-pa, well all miss you. And give mom a big hug from all of us. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of Philips favorite nonprofit organizations, the Family Giving Tree at 606 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035.