Robert "Skinner" Keirns

ATHENS – Robert “Skinner” Keirns, 89, of Athens, passed away Sunday evening, October 28, 2018 at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born December 25, 1928 in Millfield, he was the son of the late Oliver and Julia Byers Keirns.

He was a Chauncey-Dover Highschool graduate and retired from Abex Corporation in 1993. He was an area farmer all his life and was co-owner of Keirns Club Calves. He also founded Ames Jolly Farmers 4-H Club 45 years ago, which still exists today and was actively involved in the Ohio Fall Feeder Calf Roundup for over 50 years. 

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rita LaFollette Keirns; two sons, Rodney (Nancy) Keirns of Athens, Larry (Mamie) Keirns of Millfield; three daughters, Ruby (Ed) Jordan of Athens, Kathy (Jim) Washburn of Amesville, Rhonda (Jeff) Hart of Athens; 12 grandchildren, Wendy Chrisman, Michael Jordan, Carrie Caldwell, Jamie Washburn, Jason Keirns, Tracie Hines, Tonia Martin, Teresa Montle, Tim Stout, Bradley Keirns, Rob Keirns, Brian Keirns; 21 great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; three siblings, Betty Cagg, Louise Stedman, Joe (Nancy) Keirns; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Keirns, Alene King; a special friend and breakfast buddy, George Gilden; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Elsie Ball, Mary Isabelle McCune, Sydney “Jack” Keirns, James Keirns; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Garnet LaFollette.

Services will be Monday, November 5, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home with Carolyn Beasley officiating. Burial will be in Hilltop Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2 to 4 PM and Monday one hour prior to the service. You may sign the online guestbook or leave a message of sympathy at hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.