Thomas Ammerman Kearns

Thomas Ammerman Kearns, 95, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. He was born in Cynthiana on August 26, 1931, to the late Jane Ammerman and William Forrest Kearns.
Tommy was married to Jane Ross Kearns for nearly 75 years. He carried her picture in his wallet until the day he died. Together, they raised four children: Jan Emily, Julie Forrest, Nell Anne, and James Brian. He was immensely proud of them and often told people, “They’ll make a mark on society!”
Tommy grew up on farms in Harrison and Bourbon counties, studied agriculture at the University of Kentucky, and returned home to continue farming. He had the heart and work ethic of a lifelong farmer and was recognized as a Master Conservationist.
He also spent 35 years working for the United States Post Office, walking the many routes in Cynthiana. His remarkable memory stayed with him throughout his life. Even in his 90s, he could tell you the addresses and people he delivered to daily.
But Tommy didn’t just remember addresses. He remembered people. He knew their families and their stories and was always interested in learning more. He could strike up a conversation with almost anyone and rarely stayed a stranger for long.
Tommy spent much of his life serving his community. He helped establish Harrison County’s volunteer fire department and the local clothing closet, worked to bring city water to the Millersburg Pike area, and supported the Senior Citizens Program. He was also a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, and member of the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board. In later years, he continued to help in quieter ways, visiting shut-ins for games of checkers and driving people to Lexington for medical care.
His faith was an important part of his life. Tommy served Indian Creek Christian Church as an elder for 45 years and also served as a youth sponsor, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and church treasurer.
He enjoyed fishing, playing bridge, watching Cincinnati Reds baseball, telling stories, and talking with just about anyone he met.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Jane Ross Kearns; his children, Jan McGaughy (Charles), Julie Coy, Nell Anne Gossett, and Brian Kearns (Jeanie); and his grandchildren, Amy Hopwood (Doug), Jonathan Wilkins (Jenny), Daniel Wilkins (Jennifer), Jason Coy (Trista), Garnett Coy (Agata), Emily Terrell (Chad), Mandy Jane Gossett-Thornton (Nick), Rebecca McCauley (Stephen), Tyler Gossett (Jennifer), Ethan Kearns, and Hannah Kearns. He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Ross Kearns; his siblings, William Forrest Kearns Jr. and Emma Stewart Humphry; his daughter-in-law, Paula Kearns; and his sons-in-law, Jesse Coy and Wayne Gossett.
Visitation was held at Indian Creek Christian Worship Center on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. The funeral was held Wednesday, September 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the old sanctuary, followed by a brief graveside service at Battle Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Indian Creek Christian Church, 51 Waits Road, Cynthiana, KY 41031.
Tommy spent 95 years knowing people, caring about them, and finding ways to serve them. He leaves behind a family he was immensely proud of and a community that is better because he was part of it.
View and sign the guest book at www.warefuneralhome.com.