John Robert Keirns

John Robert Keirns, 73, of Van Wert, Ohio passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH.

John was born in Latty, Ohio, on November 1, 1938 to the late Harry DeWitt and Bonita Irene (Booher) Keirns. On July 20, 1963, he married Mary Constance "Connie" (Doyle) Keirns, who survives in Van Wert.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Matthew Keirns of Franklin, TN, Teresa (Orlando) Barrios of Round Rock, TX, Barbara (Efrain) Melendez of Elmira, NY, Libby (Bryan) DiNarda of Findlay, OH, and former daughter-in-law Rita Romano of Franklin, TN; Three brothers, Ed Keirns, Harry Keirns, and David Keirns; Sister-in-Law, Mary Ellen Keirns.

John enjoyed his seven grandchildren: Garrett and Katrina Keirns, Lauren and Alex Barrios, Helena and Victor Melendez, and Jared DiNarda.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dale and William Keirns.

John was a five-day-a-week golfer with two holes-in-one and was also an avid fisherman. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He retired in 1994 from General Dynamics, Lima.

The family will receive friends from 3-7 PM Friday, October 5, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 6, 2012, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, with Father Stanley Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.

Preferred Memorials can be made to Hancock County Special Olympics, 1700 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Ohio 45840.