Randolph Lee "Randy" Kearby, 68, of Columbia City, died at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne at 10:03 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Allen County on Tuesday.

Born on November 27, 1953, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was the son of the late William K. and Mary L. (Putman) Kearby. Growing up in Jefferson Twp., he started high school at Columbia City Joint High School and graduated from Seymour High School in 1972. Continuing his education, he earned a Bachelor's of Health and Physical Education at Huntington College and a Master's in Special Education from St. Francis University.

Embarking on his career as a special education teacher, he began at Fairfield High School, Goshen in 1979. His specialty took him to several different schools during his career. He had worked for Jay County School Corp., Adams-Wells Special Services (Bluffton and Norwell), and 1997 he joined Whitley County Consolidated Schools. While at these schools, he became a well-known Head wrestling, assistant football, and Throwers coach. In 2008, he moved to Ohio and eventually North Carolina, continuing his teaching and coaching profession. After returning to Indiana, he completed his career coaching wrestling and serving as a substitute teacher.

A mentor to many, he strived to bring out the best in the students and athletes he touched. He is credited with reviving both the Bluffton and Columbia City wrestling programs. While at CCHS, he led the Eagles to 8 Sectional, 6 Regional, 3 Semi-State, and 3 IHSAA Final Four Titles. Randy won over 300 matches and had around 50 State Wrestling qualifiers. A humble man, he deflected praise, bestowing it on the individual wrestling team members. His accomplishments were honored as he was inducted to both the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association and Columbia City High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Randy was a proud member of the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association and attend the Church of the Nazarene in Columbia City.

Surviving are his children, Jennica Kearby of Columbia City, Amber (Chris) Nickolson of Wolf Lake, and Kyler (Monica) Kearby of Warsaw; seven grandchildren (Kinzlee, Selah, Silas, Paxton, Olivia, Claire, and one on the way); and a brother, Timothy (Sue) Kearby of Cary, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Kearby.

The funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Columbia City Church of the Nazarene. Burial is beside his parents at the Jefferson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour before the service at the church.

Preferred memorials are to the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association.