Nathan “Nate” Kearns, 33, of Laramie died Monday, August 29 in Laramie.
His infectious smile and boisterous laugh lightened the lives of all who came to know him. Nate never refused a request to help a friend, and could always be counted on when asked. He adored the Wyoming Cowboys from the time he was a small child, and was passionate fan of the Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys. His greatest passion was for baseball, through a state championship with little league, the Laramie Rangers and on to community college ball in Kansas, always finding time to land a trout in the rivers and lakes around Laramie.
Survivors include his parents, JoAnn and Jim Kearns, his brother and best friend Aaron (Melissa), nephews Skylor, Jeremy and Travis, Grandmother Eunice Kearns, Grandfather Leonard Wold, and numerous relatives and friends who will cherish their time with him during his 34 years.
A private memorial service has been held.
I only had the luxury of knowing Nate for the 2 years I lived in Laramie and worked at Startek. Even though there was a big age difference between us he still became a great friend of mine and helped me out in so many ways. My Heart goes out to all his family members as I share your grief. I know he loved his Jeep and can remember him picking me up in Winter and driving us to work freezing and laughing about it at the same time. Though once I moved back to Florida we drew apart he will always have a place in my heart because of the special person he was.
Oh Jim and Joanne and family, I can't begin to express my heartfelt sympathy for you all. There are no words, but loving thoughts and prayers coming your way from New Hampshire. I'm so very sorry for the terrible loss or your son, Nate. What a beautiful boy he is and it sounds like he was beautiful on the inside as well. I can hear that booming voice, though I never met him! <3
Hard to put into words our sadness. Just know that we all loved Nate and thought the world of the Kearns family. Our hearts are with you. Rest in Peace Slugger! Mardell and Dominic Aragon
Dear Jim and JoAnn, we were so saddened to learn of the loss of your son. I had a chance to meet him at Jim's retirement party. He reflected the best of you both. You are in our thoughts as you struggle thorough the time ahead!
Nate was a great person and athlete. I was honored to get to coach him and his classmates. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family. Rest in peace Nate, you will be missed .
I'm so sorry for Jim and family. I recently had a very nice chat with him during a vehicle mishap. He seemed like a wonderful young man.
Sorry to hear of your loss, Kearns Family, I worked with Nate , Aaron and Melissa, many years ago. I remember his beautiful smile and his strong voice....RIP Nate, you are an Angel in heaven and keep watching over your loved ones. Gina Garcia
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kearns family and Nate's many friends at this hard time. I have been reflecting on my memories of Nate. He was one of the funnest players I ever had the privilege to coach. His swing for the fence no matter the count was incredible. He led our team and the whole tournament in RBI on our run in CA in 1995. Just last month I saw the board that has his name on it at the stadium. The high fastballs that he deposited into the trees or the rocket from right field to home through the cutoff are amazing memories but none better than his big smile and "hi Coach" in later years. He will be greatly missed. May our Heavenly Father's blessings be with each of us as we mourn his passing. VerDon Hoopes
My thoughts and prayers go out to each of the Kearns family and also Nates many friends. I have been reflecting on the thoughts and stories I have of Nate. Good times, one of the funnest I have ever coached. His all out swing for the fence no matter the count was was incredible. He led the team and whole tournament in RBI on our run in CA in 95. What a great teammate. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Those high fastballs that he deposited into the trees or that rocket throw from right field to home through the cut offs head are awesome memories but my favorite memory was that big smile and "hi Coach " in later years. May our Heavenly Fother bless each of us as we mourn his passing.
This news I received today shook and saddened me deeply. My heart goes out to JoAnn and Jim. I have missed this guy since we parted ways to go to school over ten years ago. I have thought about him often, especially this last week? Anyone that was lucky enough to call him a teammate would have also called him a friend. I have too many memories to share, memories that I will carry for a lifetime. An exceptional friend with an infectious laugh always up for a fishing trip. Here is to one of the best baseball players I ever had the privilege to play with and an irreplaceable fishing partner... Kearns #17, retired but NEVER forgotten, RIP old friend.
Jim, Joanne & Family, My deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to you all! Nate will be missed by so many! What an amazing young man! The biggest smile, the warmest heart, the kindest most sincere eyes! Will always remember the Ranger games and what a joy it was to watch him play (Aaron too)! May each of you find peace and comfort at this very difficult time! The world lost a great man!
My deepest condolences go out to the Kearns family. I have such fond memories of growing up playing baseball against and with Nate. I will never forget how he was the first teammate to pick you up after a bad game and the first one there to celebrate a great game. His greatness on and off the field made me always want to be better. Nate was a great teammate, friend, and person. Rest in peace Nate.
My prayers are with Nate's family at this tragic time. So very sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Nate well,but have a fond memory of him from the 8th grade. Nate was a guest at my daughter's birthday party. At the end of the party, there was quite a mess to clean up. Nate and his friend Mr McKinney, did not leave until everything was cleaned up. I always appreciated that. After that all I ever heard were good things about Nate. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord
I'm so sorry to hear about nate my prayers are with u all.. he will be highly missed. He was a GREAT person..
My sympathy to the family. Gone to soon. You are in gods hands know.
Praying for you Jim, JoAnn, Aaron and family. Duane, Margy and Dan Toro and Sarah Toro Alexander.
There is so much i want to say so much in my heart, you were so much to me, without you I wouldn't have found Aaron. Just a few weeks ago when we talked made sure I knew that you loved me and I was your sister and best friend after Aaron. I loved working with you every day you were the high light for me to come and you be here and our lunches together. You were always more to me than my brother in law you were my brother and your always made sure I knew that and you always someone I could talk to when I couldn't reach your brother. My heart is broken and world lost a beautiful person inside and outside. I can never forget the smile you always had one and that big booming voice. I remember playing slug bug with you I remember the concerts we went too. I will always hold all your memories we shared in my heart forever. You always be my best friend and brother. Spreads your wings my beautiful angel brother and I know your watching over us. When the sun is shining bright or the stars are shinig bright I will know it's you shining down on us and keeping us safe. Enjoy playing baseball up there. Miss you so much your always in my heart brother. Hope heaven takes great care of you until we meet again
To the Kearns family, we are so very sorry to hear about Nate. Our deepest condolences go out to you all. You all are in our prayers and he will never be fogotten.. He has a special place in our hearts and he was like one of my kids..
I'm so sorry to hear the news about Nate, I remember him fondly from my class at Slade. Always did have a smile on his face and never any trouble. He was great to have in class and then I enjoyed watching him grow up from there. Really sad news and blessings to his family in this tough time.
my deepest sympathy for the family of nate. i was in his class at laramie high school and he was always a great individual and a great person.
Man you were all ways good to me in school.. I hope you are enjoying heaven and some day I will get to see you.
In this time I hope that your family may find peace. I know this pain all too well. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.
My thoughts and prayers are with Nate and his family at this time. Nate- You were someone I always looked forward to seeing at work everyday. You helped me get through that year in Laramie with your smile and laugh. We had some good times there. I will never forget the nickname you gave me and when I think about that, it puts a smile on my face. I hope you are at peace and know how many people you touched while you were here on this Earth. You will be missed and I know I will never forget the kindness you showed me. Rest In Peace
Like Brian, I knew Nate at a young age. I moved to Wyoming in 5th grade and immediately found Nate as the "it" athlete in town. As a pitcher, he was the only batter I ever feared. As a hitter, his fastball was faster than anyone else's. We were on the same basketball teams growing up, and Nate was always our big man, even though he was not that tall. He was so strong and powerful he could outmuscle other players. When Nate began to play for the Laramie Ranger's I would go watch their games and see towering homruns. I would look at the height and distance of the homeruns and say "there is only one person that could hit the ball that far, and it is Nate Kearns". Like Brian, I too grew apart from Nate in high school and college. More recently, we connected on FB and he began "liking' each others posts. RIP my brother and my God bless your family. I am sorry you were taken so soon.
RIP Nate, you have always been a great person. I am going to miss you.
Fly high big guy!! Be happy now ❤❤ no worries anymore! Take care of your friends and family down here!
This is a great loss for all of us. Nate and I had some good laughs and he will be missed dearly. Great big heart, great big smile and a real loss for all of us. Prayers are with his family and for a quick repose of his soul into Heaven. ~Josh Kirkwood and family
The feeling I have after hearing of his passing is surreal. I am so sorry that he is gone. Far too young. He was a great man and full of joy. The world has lost a gem.
Jim,JoAnn,Aaron, Melissa and Nephews, Our hearts go out to you. I pray that your memories of your dear Nate help you through this sorrowful time. If ever you need anything , a shoulder to cry on or a eat to listen we are here for you all. With all our love and prayers Milton and Liz
My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Nate you were an awesome person and will be missed dearly. Fly high with those angels. Watch down on the ones who need it the most :). Rip Nate.
It's surreal that Nate is no longer here. My hopes and prayers are with his mom, dad, and brother. Him and I were close buds at a young age. Tearing up the basketball courts at Slade Elementary. Riding bikes over the summers to and from LaBonte and Kmart. Playing baseball against each other and then on the same team representing Wyoming. As we aged we grew apart, but this news was just unfortunate to hear. It has allowed me to reflect on those good times and I hope the family can do the same throughout their grieving. Condolences, Brian Aragon and Family
My heart goes out to Nate's family during this sudden & surreal time. Although I hadn't regrouped with him for quite some time, his passing has conjured up many fond memories through our journey in sports together. Precisely in the game of baseball. We shed a lot of blood, sweat, & tears in efforts to take the Laramie Atletics Program to another level. My father appreciated his skill and personality. He loved him dearly. He was a strong, fast, & tough athlete. He had a firey sense of humor with an infectious laugh. And most imprtantly, he had my back. Through many times as a young buck. And he had anyone's back within his world. He was a solid guy and will be greatly missed. May you rest with God.