Robert Donald Irwin

R. Donald Irwin, Bronaugh, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at Christian Health and Rehabilitation in Nevada, following a long struggle with Congestive Heart Failure. Donald was born Oct. 18, 1924, the sixth and youngest child of Robert L. and Ella F. (Rodgers) Irwin on the family farm southwest of Bronaugh. He attended school at Bronaugh and graduated with the class of 1942. He served in the United States Army from 1945-47. He spent time with Occupation Forces in Japan. He married Evelyn Saathoff on May 3, 1946, and they were blessed with a 67 year marriage.

He was a lifelong member of the Bronaugh United Methodist Church. He was a talented tenor, singing with the Bronaugh Methodist Quartet. He sang at hundreds of funerals over many years. He was a member of Masonic Order of Herman Lodge of Liberal, Mo., receiving his 50-year pin in 2013. Donald spent his lifetime farming in the Bronaugh area and was active in community and church activities. Donald was happy to have lived on his farm until the last month. He also managed the MFA in Bronaugh for a few years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Roger, Herbert and Marion Irwin; one sister, Lucille Irwin Stoneman; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Jean Marlow Irwin.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of the home; two sons, Lyndon Irwin of Bois D'Arc, Mo., and Gary Irwin and wife, Kathy, of Jefferson City, Mo. He also leaves two grandsons, John Irwin and wife, Risa, of Fuji City, Japan, and Phillip Irwin and wife, Ashley, of Springfield; two granddaughters, Kendall Irwin and fiancé, Cory Keck, of Columbia, and Kelsey Irwin of Springfield; and foreign exchange grandson, Dr. Felix Krainski of Dallas, Texas. He also leaves three great-grandchildren, Anna, Emma and Jeffrey Irwin of Fuji City, Japan. Donald had also hoped to get to meet a new grandson in December 2013. He is also survived by one sister, Ann Irene Irwin Wolfe of Nevada and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Masonic rites will follow at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Bronaugh United Methodist Church at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, with burial following at Worsley Cemetery nearby.

Memorial contributions may be made to Worsley Cemetery, the Bronaugh United Methodist Church, or NRMC Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.