Kearns, Earnest Eugene's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Ernest Eugene Kearns Jr.
January 23, 1958 – October 5, 2025
Ernest “Ernie” Eugene Kearns Jr., 67, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on October 5, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Ernie was born on January 23, 1958, at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, OK, to the late Earnest Eugene Kearns Sr. and Louella May Kearns. He grew up in a close-knit family and carried with him throughout life the values of loyalty, hard work, & faith that his parents instilled in him.
On March 7, 1990, Ernie married the love of his life, Debra (Moore) Kearns. Together they shared 35 wonderful years of marriage filled with laughter, partnership, and unwavering devotion. Their union was blessed with two children, Nikki Nicole Spencer (and her husband James Spencer) and Steven Philip Kearns, and three grandchildren: Brian Allen, Haley Nicole, and Kevin James Spencer: who brought Ernie immense joy and pride.
Ernie spent most of his working life as an armed security guard, where he was known for his diligence, professionalism, and sense of duty. His coworkers and those he served respected him deeply for his integrity and commitment to doing the right thing, no matter the circumstance.
Beyond his work, Ernie’s greatest fulfillment came from his roles as husband, father, and grandfather. He took tremendous pride in his family and found joy in every moment spent together. Whether teaching his grandchildren to fish, sharing stories about his Scottish heritage, or reading scripture aloud, Ernie always found ways to connect, encourage, and make others feel loved.
A man of deep faith, Ernie loved to study and live by the Word of God. His two favorite Bible verses: John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:13, reflected the core of who he was: a man grounded in love, faith, and hope.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Debra Kearns; daughter, Nikki Nicole Spencer (James); son, Steven Philip Kearns; grandchildren, Brian Allen, Haley Nicole, and Kevin James Spencer; brothers: Douglas Wayne Kearns and Steven Lee Kearns; and his nieces: Kelli, Jess, Bayan, Kathrin, Virginia, Michaelanne, Clarissa; nephews: Wayne, Michael, Douglas, Ethan, Tyler, Christopher; grand-nieces: Naomi, Anabelle, Suzy, Jayden, Kaleah, Arabella, Skyla, Emma, Echo, Emmrys; grand-nephews: Logan, Preston, Gunnar, Samuel, Emmanuel, Reagan, Noah, William who each held a special place in his heart.
While Ernie will be deeply missed by all who knew him, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now in the loving presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; reunited with his father, his grandfather, and so many loved ones who went before him.
We find peace in imagining him fishing in Heaven’s waters, sharing stories, and smiling down on the family he cherished so dearly. His love, his faith, and his laughter will live forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
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