Dr. Thomas Kearns

ROCHESTER- A memorial service for Dr. Thomas P. Kearns will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Charter House Chapel. Dr. Kearns, 88, a retired Ophthalmologist, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Charter House in Rochester.Dr. Kearns was a child during the depression, in Appalachian Kentucky. His childhood was impoverished and he helped pay his tuition at the University of Louisville cutting meat at an A grocery. The Army put him through medical school during WWII. Upon his graduation he became an officer and served at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was precise, hardworking and ethical. Because of his humble beginnings, even after he was at the top of his profession he always stopped to talk and befriend hotel clerks, mechanics and anyone else he met.In 1944 he was married in his uniform to Mary Lucinda Trigg. The little rationed gasoline they could obtain got them only to Cincinnati for their honeymoon. In 1949 they arrived in Rochester, Minnesota to begin a three year residency program at the Mayo Clinic. At the end of that program he was asked to stay and become part of the clinic staff as an eye doctor.Dr. Kearns was both a doctor and a teacher, teaching over one hundred and fifty residents during his career. He taught hundreds more students in shorter programs at Colby College in Waterville, Maine during the summer as an instructor for the Lancaster course. Besides seeing patients, he did extensive research on Ophthalmology and identified a syndrome, Kearns-Sayre, that bears his name.Dr. and Mrs. Kearns traveled the world. They went to England half a dozen times and were early visitors to China at a time when few Americans had visited. He was active in the American Opthalmological Society and served first as treasurer and then as president of this national organization of ophthalmologists.Dr. Kearns retired from the Mayo Clinic in 1987. Ironically, after saving the sight of so many others, he lost his own to macular degeneration. He lovingly cared for his wife in later years although he could only see with his peripheral vision. His life was one of service to his fellow man and he rose from the humblest beginnings to the top of his profession by his hard work, earnest reliability, and his consistent ability to make measured sound decisions.Born April 2, 1922 in Ravenna, KY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anolia (Pryor) Kearns. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, KY and also received his doctorate from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Kearns served his internship at St. Josephs Infirmary in Louisville. Dr. Kearns entered the US Army Medical Corps and earned the rank of Captain in 1947-48. In 1949 Dr. Kearns started his Ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Kearns also became a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Mayo Medical School. He was a founding member of the American Eye Study Club, President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Kearns was the AOS Editor, Secretary, Treasurer and President. Dr. Kearns authored or co-authored approximately 70 papers,. His research defined Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and he contributed to the study of retinal changes of carotid artery disease (Venous stasis retinopathy). He was awarded the Howe medal from the AOS. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mary Lucinda Kearns; daughter, Lucinda (Richard) Hepp; son, Stapleton (Kathleen) Kearns and three grandchildren, Emily, Helen and Elizabeth.Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. (507) 289-3600.