Obituary: Milton James Vaughan Kearney

Milton James Vaughan Kearney
February 14, 1947 – June 27, 2026
79 Years of age

 

Milton James Vaughan Kearney, of Leland, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in the early morning on June 27, 2026.

Milton was born on February 14, 1947, in Greenville, Mississippi, at King’s Daughters Hospital.

Milton was a devoted husband, family man, and friend who will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and his steady, faithful presence in the lives of those who knew him. An avid outdoorsman, he found great joy in hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping—activities that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of nature and create lasting memories with family and friends. Milton’s life was marked by quiet strength, dedication to friends and family, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, but the unforgettable stories and memories that we share of Milton will endure.

Milton dedicated 43 years of devoted service to the City of Greenville – Public Works Department Water Maintenance Division as a Water System Operator before retiring in 2016. Several rural communities in Washington County also relied on his skills to safely operate and test their water systems. His reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to his communities defined his career and shaped his relationships with those who depended on him for one of our basic necessities of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble and Lucy Kearney, and his brother, Noble Kearney Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Emily W. Kearney; his stepchildren, Lorry King (Earl) of Madison, Mississippi; Kelly Jenkins (Russell) of Rogersville, Missouri; and Eric Heatherly (Sarah) of Hillsboro, Oregon. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. And he leaves behind two nieces and one nephew, all of whom live in Texas. They will all cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., both at Boone Funeral Home in Leland, Mississippi. Burial will follow at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital