TERRE HAUTE, Ind – Former Vigo County Judge, State Legislator and attorney R. Jerome “Jerry” Kearns passed away Saturday at the age of 83.
Kearns had fought a six-year battle with cancer.
He had served as state representative for Indiana’s 43rd district from 1970-74 and 1986-94.
He was also circuit judge and superior court judge in Vigo County.
In 2016, the Terre Haute Bar Association honored Kearns for his 50 years as an attorney, judge, prosecutor and legislator.
In 1994, Kearns co-sponsored, with Rep. Susan Crosby of Roachdale, a bill that became known as “Zachary’s Law” in memory of Zachary Snider
He was a 10-year-old Cloverdale boy who was killed the year before at the hands of a convicted sex offender who lived nearby.
The law requires public disclosure of the whereabouts of persons convicted of child abuse.
Visitation will be held Thursday at DeBaun Funeral Home on Springhill from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Mass and funeral services will be Friday at St. Joseph’s Church at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations can be made to either Saint Joseph Parish or the Terre Haute Humane Society.
photo courtesy Brendan Kearns