Pat Kearney

Patrick Eugene Kearney, 86, of Sherman, passed away at 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Heritage Health. Patrick was born May 26, 1931 in El Paso, IL, the son of William and Treasa Delaney Kearney. He married Rosella Merna on November 27, 1954 in Merna, IL. Patrick attended a county elementary school with one classroom near El Paso, IL. He graduated from LeRoy High School, class of 1949, and later took classes at Illinois State University. Patrick worked as a farmer, a State Trooper, and as a youth supervisor with Department of Corrections. He was also a Book Mobile Driver, a van driver for Progress School in Decatur, and was the founder of the Boys Club in Marengo, IL. Patrick proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of St. John Vianney and Villa Chapel. He and his wife, Rosella, were residents at Villa West since January 1, 2008. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; sister, JoAnne Burns; and brother-in-law, Bill Burns. He is survived by his wife, Rosella of Sherman; four sons, Patrick (Carol) Kearney of Tallahassee, FL, Tim Kearney of Springfield, Mike (Chris) Kearney of Roanoke, VA, and Paul (Dawn) Kearney of Rochester, IL; four daughters, Margie (Dave) Holly of Ballwin, MO, Rosella (Dave) Hyland of Cottage Grove, MN, Mary (Harry) Hull of Lewisville, TX, and JoAnn (Bob) Pederson of Cottage Grove, MN; seventeen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and eleven siblings, William (Helen) Kearney, Helen (Greg) Bane, Richard (Anne) Kearney, Mary Michalski, Kathleen (Robert) Lyman, Karen (Clyde) Burchman, Mike Kearney, Jim (Linda) Kearney, John (Betsy) Kearney, Rita (Ed) Bane, and Margaret (Michael) Berden. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at St. John Vianney Church with Rev. George Philip Nellikunnel, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to: Villa Health Care West Chapel, 100 Stardust Drive, Sherman, IL 62684.