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Michael Kearl Obituary
Dr. Michael Charles Kearl, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 of a heart attack while on the Trinity University campus. He is survived and loved by his wife of 41 years, Joan, his sons Frank and Zachary, his mother Cordelia, and his brother Dan.
Professor Kearl came to Trinity University in 1977 and was chair of the sociology and anthropology department from 2001 to 2006. He was a beloved colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend. In 2009 he received the Dr. and Mrs. Z.T. Scott Faculty Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding work as a teacher and advisor. He was a nationally recognized expert on the topic of death and dying and the concepts of time, family, and social gerontology.
Mike earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Dartmouth College and held a doctorate in sociology from Stanford University. In addition to sociology he studied gerontology and was one of the leading figures in establishing the sociology of death and dying. He was also the first layperson on the Texas State Board of Morticians and helped influence legislation that reformed the funeral industry.
Mike was a prolific writer, publishing the first textbook on the sociology of death and dying, a textbook on social psychology, and countless articles, essays and encyclopedia entries. We would like to defer to his description of the work he so loved:
"I believe that the processes of inquiry should be enjoyable interactive experiences, even if my subject matters are not always the most upbeat of topics. I believe that learning should be 16/7 and not confined to the 150 minutes of weekly class time that we have together. Teaching is an art, and of art Jack Nicholson once observed: 'My first acting teacher said all art is one thing--a stimulating point of departure .What you're supposed to do is keep people vitally interested in the world they live in.'"
He was an avid fly-fisherman and loved music, traveling with family and friends, and playing cribbage. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh.
A gathering of friends will meet to celebrate his life at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24th at Trinity University's Stieren Theatre in the Ruth Taylor Theater Building. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a forthcoming scholarship fund in his name for aspiring sociologists at Trinity University.
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kearl
Bob Fernandez
March 9, 2015
To Joan, Frank & Zach
Jennie and I were saddened to hear about Mike's passing. We knew you all as neighbors when you were living on Talcott. Mike was always kind with an engaging personality.
Our sympathies,
Bob & Jennie Fernandez
Kristi Stanford
March 9, 2015
Joan and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike has led an incredible life and has left you way too soon. My condolences to each of you.
Pat Seyfried
March 8, 2015
Our sincere sympathies go out to Dr Kearl's family at this time.
Bill and Pat Seyfried
Pat & Lynn Keene
March 8, 2015
Joan, Frank and Zach - we are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Philip Mandel
March 6, 2015
Shocked and sad about the passing of this Mensch of a man. I wish I had had a chance to get to know him better. RIP, Mike. Love and hugs from Oregon.
Tony Ortiz
March 10, 2015
Mike Kearl was the best instructor I ever had. I am saddened by his passing. His early teaching days at UTSA are well remembered by all of us. Joani, please accept my sympathies.
Jen Mathews
March 10, 2015
Jen Mathews
March 10, 2015
Jen Mathews
March 10, 2015
Cynthia Cunningham
March 10, 2015
Dear Joan,
Please know that you and your family have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons during this time of sadness.
Eric Gibson
March 10, 2015
My distinguished colleague and friend, you are one of the greats. I recall playing, bocce, drinking beer, singing along with CSN&Y (badly), while discussing reincarnation all afternoon. I remember standing outside your lectures, marveling at your gifts, and wondering could I ever be that good? The world has lost the best teacher I ever met. You will be sorely missed. I have not processed this loss yet, so I apologize if this is too long. My deepest sympathy to Joanie and the boys. May you rest in eternal peace. Know that you are loved and missed.
Eric Gibson
March 10, 2015
I remember playing bocce, drinking wine, singing along with CSN&Y (badly), and talking about reincarnation all afternoon. I remember standing outside your lectures from time to time and listening to you riff. I wondered if I could ever be that good at it. I cannot believe you are gone. It has not really hit me yet. My deepest sympathy to Joanie and the boys. The world has lost a rare and gifted teacher. You will never be forgotten and you are sorely missed. Rest in eternal peace my friend.
March 10, 2015
Dear Joan,
I was saddened to hear about Michael's passing. Although I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him well I remember thinking, when you and I occasionally spoke about our families, that he certainly was accomplished. It appears that he was that and much more. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons. Love, Debbie K.
Karen Meade
March 10, 2015
Joan and sons, my deepest sympathies surround you and your family at this sad time. Sending all my love.
Sheryl Tynes
March 10, 2015
We have lost a true gem of a man--endlessly curious and eternally funny. All our thoughts and prayers are with your amazing family.
Scarth Clark
March 10, 2015
One of the professor's who changed my life almost thirty years ago. Sorry to hear of his passing
Deanne Eagle
March 9, 2015
My dear, beloved, friend, Mike, who I met when I was still in clogs and knee socks at age 13, and with whom the bonds only grew stronger over the years. There will be no other like him.
Larry Loessin
March 8, 2015
You will be missed my friend, thanks for the Kearl Tunes...........
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