Ernest Richard Irby's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Ernest Richard Irby, age 95 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2015 while at his Charleston Rehab and Health Care Center home. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Raymond Roberts officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Food Pantry. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Richard was born January 1, 1920 in Charleston, IL to the late Samuel R. and Hazel Ester (Warren) Irby. He married his high school sweetheart, Reatha Oleta LeGrand, on July 3, 1940 in St. Louis, MO and they have celebrated 75 years of marriage. In addition to Reatha, he is survived by their two sons, Richard Eugene Irby and wife Lynda of McKinney, TX and Delbert Leroy Irby and his wife Karen of Tulsa, OK; 6 grandchildren, Wendy (Steve) Bokmiller, Beth (Richard) Moore, Becky Irby, Allyson (Chris) Carey, Kent (Andrea) Irby, Roger Irby; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a sister, Evelyn Kemp of Mattoon. Richard was a 1937 graduate of Charleston High School. In January of 1940 he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Charleston and helped to build and develop Fox Ridge State Park. It was there that he had acquired a love for woodworking as he had access to a full woodworking shop. In 1942 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and faithfully and honorably served his country during World War II. Following his discharge from active service in 1945, Richard remained in the Army Reserves for the next 22 years. He worked for Garwood Industries and Blaw-Knox in Mattoon, and as an Administration Supply Tech for the Army Reserves before accepting a position as a sub clerk and mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Richard retired from this position in 1981 following 15 years of service. Richard was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and was the Detail Commander for the Honor Guard for many years. In his younger years, Richard truly enjoyed hunting and fishing but discovered those hobbies were more of a chore following retirement. Therefore he spent a great deal of time on other loves such as researching family genealogy, woodworking and small engine repair. Richard was a man of integrity who always believed in God, Family and Country. He lived his life accordingly, imparting these same values and beliefs to his family, whom he dearly loved. They have been blessed by his presence and his influence in their lives and treasure their many memories of this wonderful husband, father and grandfather. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, November 28, 2015 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Saturday, November 28, 2015 2:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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