John Joseph Kearney

Captain John Joseph Kearney, USN (Retired), 62, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016. He was born on October 12, 1954 in Norfolk, Nebraska to the late Maurice Barham and Captain Joseph Edward Kearney. Captain Kearney is survived by one sister, Anna Jane Johnston (Scot); five nieces, Leslie Smith and daughter, Savannah Hill, Rebecca Neighbors (Robert) and sons, Reid and Fuller Birch and Luke Neighbors, Amy Bush (David) and children, Hannah and Haley Lawson, Olivia and David Michael Bush, Megan Lane and son, Jackson Lane all of Little Rock, and Sally Soames (David) and son, Porter Soames of Richardson, Texas. As a youth, John enjoyed football eventually becoming a letterman at Catholic High for Boys. He remained a devoted alumnus and always participated in the annual alumni functions. After high school, he received a Presidential Appointment to the US Naval Academy. Upon graduation and commission, he followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a lifetime career in the Navy, ultimately retiring at the rank of Captain. He led a distinguished career receiving many honors and medals. Among other jobs, he worked on 7th Fleet Staff in Japan and served in the Middle East and Washington, DC. We are all indebted to John for his years of service to our country. In retirement, John's first priority was his family. He was the primary caretaker of his parents in their last days, and was always on the spot to support the extended family on birthdays, holidays and day to day needs. The family was greatly blessed by having our own "Uncle John", and he will be sorely missed. Besides family, John was an avid golfer, playing many times in the annual father/son tournament with his father. John was also a partner and supporter of his sister's dog show hobby. His dog, Jack, was the number one ranked Pointer in 2005 and John was very proud of him. He stayed very active in the dog world, both at the shows as well as being a supporter of local dog rescue organizations. Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W Markham St., Little Rock on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a funeral service Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Ruebel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Catholic High School for Boys, at 3600 Father Tribou, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or Pointer Rescue Organization at 9949 Mallow St., Manassas, Virginia 20110. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.