Robert Lee Kearns

Topeka – Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Lee Kearns, 83, Topeka, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Assumption Church in Topeka. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.Mr. Kearns died Saturday, March 11, 2006, in Topeka.He was born Sept. 23, 1922, in Greenleaf, the son of Merle and Veronica “Babe” Rogers Kearns. He graduated from Concordia High School.Mr. Kearns served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He worked in broadcasting in Atchison and later at WIBW Radio in Topeka. He was host of the Capitol Federal Bandstand Show and also worked in sales, becoming sales manager for WIBW AM/FM/TV. He was appointed director of community relations for the WIBW stations in 1981. He was a Gold Coater with the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, worked with the Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry, Downtown Topeka and at Fleming Place. He hosted a local television show, “In Your Back Yard,” and retired from WIBW on Dec. 31, 1992.He was involved with the Topeka CVB Advisory Committee, Shawnee County Economic Development Committee, Railroad Days, Litter Control Commission, Red Cross, United Way, Crime Stoppers, Junior League, Washburn Communications Advisory Board, St. Francis Hospital, Salvation Army, Kansas State Fair Board and Sales and Marketing Executives. He was master of ceremonies for the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast for nine years and was a founding member of Topeka’s Professional Ad Club. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree James W. Gibbons Assembly 0286, American Legion, St. Patrick’s Day Committee and Moose Lodge.He married Doris Shaeffer on Feb. 23, 1946, in Atchison. She died Aug. 10, 2002.Survivors include a daughter, Roberta Schiefelbein, Hoyt; a brother, Don, Lawrence; and two grandchildren.Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a parish rosary at 6 p.m. followed by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony.The family suggests memorials to Assumption School, sent in care of the funeral home, 2801 S.W. Urish Road, Topeka 66614.Online condolences may be sent at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.