In Memoriam: Mike Kearns

Written by jrood

Mike Kearns, a long-time member of the railroad recycling industry, passed away August 12 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Ind., after a long battle with cancer. Kearns was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., and moved to Muncie and graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1966. He attended and played football at Ball State University. He became involved with the railroad industry when he formed Miro Enterprises in the late 1970s. After the death of his partner, he worked for Continental Rail Company of Houston, Texas. Since 1996, Kearns has been employed with Tie Yard of Omaha, now Omaha Track Materials, and held the position of vice president of steel operations. He was widely known throughout the railroad business, both for his knowledge of relay rail materials and for his strong business ethics and integrity. A mentor of many young people in the business, he was also a pilot and an avid Purdue football fan. He is survived by his wife Sheila, three children and two grandchildren.  

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