Jeffrey D Kearney, age 66 of Assumption, IL, passed away in St. John’s Hospital Springfield, IL, February 14, 2026.

Jeff was born March 11, 1959, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, Illinois to Paul “Dean” Kearney and Lynda West Kearney of Lovington, Illinois.

Jeff spent his grade school years in Lovington and in Lake City with his grandparents. Jeff spent his junior high and high school years in Decatur. Attending MacArthur High School. Jeff had a passion for food at a young age. He worked at many restaurants in Decatur, IL during his high school years including The Blue Mill, The Brown Jug, The Decatur Club, Burger King, and Burger Chef. After high school he attended Washburne Trade School in Chicago and became a certified
chef, honing his skills at the Drake Hotel in Oakbrook, IL. Upon returning to Decatur, he was hired as Executive Chef at South Side Country Club. Jeff was also Executive Chef at Millikin University. He later worked at Bunn Capitol as food rep/salesman, where he excelled with his food service background assisting his customers in how to use products and make the most money from their products.

In later years Jeff and his wife Terri started Hickory Grove Products, selling a family recipe BBQ sauce, eventually adding BBQ catering. Their sauce was sold in over 80 stores in the central Illinois area. When Jeff’s health started to fail, they closed their business.

Jeff was an avid Chicago Bears and NFL fan. In the 90’s he loved watching the Chicago Bulls when Michael Jordan played. He could name all the NBA players of the era.

Above all else, Jeff cherished his family, and loved them with all his heart, always going above and beyond to help. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Terri Sheets Kearney. His daughter Kandice Lynn Kearney Cox and husband Matt of Mowequa, Il, Daughter Katlyn Nicole Kearney at home. Grandchildren, Lynna June Keareny, Layton Michael Cox, and Leyland Dean Cox of Moweaqua, IL, Special Aunt Margaret Ball of Cloverdale, Indiana. Uncle Fred and Aunt Alison
West and family of Lovington, Il. Aunt Cathy and Uncle Carl Mueller of Lovington, IL. Honorary son Austin Standley of Findlay, Il. Sister-in-law Tamara Kemp (Lynn), of Farmer City, Il, Brother-in-law Cody and Laurie Sheets of Oakley, many nieces and nephews, and cousins across the country and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Fred and Mabel West, paternal grandparents Tom and Helen Kearney, Uncle Jim and Aunt Hazel Kearney, Uncle Leroy Kearney, Aunt Freeda Mann, Uncle Joe Kelly and father and mother-in-law Leroy and Roberta Sheets.

We will love and miss him.
Per Jeff’s wishes he was cremated. A memorial will be held at later date.