In lieu of flowers, family and friends of Martin Joseph Kearns who prefer to provide a memorial contribution may do so. The family will use these to honor Martin Joseph Kearns's life and memory. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts throughout this challenging time.
Martin Joseph Kearns, age 87, passed away on June 13, 2025. “Waiting For Marty” was a book I always said I would write but never have. The people that worked with him said “There was regular time and then there was Marty
time.” He was very seldom early. Marty was a bit of a late bloomer. He took several years to complete his education, finally earning a master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He worked all day and went to school nights, while being a husband and the father of three.
Marty and I met at Western Michigan University and married in 1962. He began his career in 1963 with Ford Motor Company. In 1977, he was hired to run a business here in Baton Rouge. Several years later, he purchased the welding supply and gases distribution part of the business from the owner. He grew the business, with the expertise of employees, to become one of the largest family-owned distributorships in the south.
Marty was born at home on December 28th in 1937 in River Rouge, Michigan to Martin W. Kearns and Mary O’Hara Kearns. He was 100% Irish, and always proud of it.
Marty is survived by his loving wife, Karen Kinsman Kearns, daughter Lori Kearns Cates (Kevin), Fort Worth, TX., son Jeffrey S Kearns (Cara) Baton Rouge, LA. Grandson Frank L Kearns Boston MA., son Michael J Kearns (Laura) Prairieville, LA.
Marty was preceded in death by parents, Marty and Mary Kearns and brother Robert Kearns. His in-laws, Leonard and Muriel Kinsman.
Marty was a good man. He was smart, kind, humble, generous and loving. He will be greatly missed. He suffered through a 14-year battle with dementia with grace and humor (most of the time). His family would like to thank all those wonderful people that shared this journey with us. His doctors at B.R. Clinic, Alzheimer’s Assoc of Greater B.R., Charlie’s Place, The Pearl at Jamestown, St Joseph Hospice and Carpenter House, our very special sitters Jody and Rose and all our family and friends.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
We would love for memorial donations be made to: Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3722 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Or: St Joseph Hospice, 10615 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.