Larry T. Irby's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Larry Thomas Irby, age 68 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, with Pastor Parker Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery in Arcola, Illinois. It is requested that donations in his honor be made to the Bushton Christian Church or to the Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program. Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Larry was born April 9, 1950 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of the late William Thomas and Minda Jean (Pinnell) Irby. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Vicki L. Gamble on July 6, 1969 at her parent's home in Bushton, Illinois. In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, he is survived by two children, Angela Kay Coffey and husband Chris of Bushton and Jason Thomas Irby and wife Tammy of East Prairie, Missouri; four grandchildren whom he adored, Kamae Rose Coffey and Karly Beth Coffey, Drew Thomas Irby and Taryn Marie Irby; and Ravin Matheson, a friend of Karly's who Larry loved as a granddaughter. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by three half-brothers, Jim, Robert, and Hubert Phipps, and a half sister, Sara Jean Phipps.Larry was a 1970 graduate of Charleston High School and for 42 years was a dedicated employee of Vesuvius in Charleston. He later went to work for the Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program, delivering meals on wheels and brightening the spirits of many homebound individuals. He was a faithful member of the Bushton Christian Church where he actively served as a deacon, board member and greeter.Larry enjoyed walking and running and was gifted with an ear for music. He was a fan of Cardinal baseball, enjoyed fishing and had discovered a love for golf following his formal retirement. Larry's greatest love was for family. He embraced Vicki's family as his own and was supportive of his children and grandchildren in all aspects of life - he was their biggest fan. He had a heart for senior citizens and always tried to make someone else's day just a little better. Larry was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Click to view Family Memorial Video.Funeral ServiceThe funeral service celebrating the life of Larry Irby was held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Parker Boothe officiating. Larry's daughter, Angela Coffey read a poem that she wrote. Granddaughter, Karly Coffey played a piano solo, and a recording of granddaughter, Kamae Coffey singing ""Roses Will Bloom Again"" was played. Additional recorded musical selections included ""Rock of Ages"", ""Daddy's Hands"", ""I Saw The Light"", ""I'll Fly Away"" and ""Church in the Wildwood"". Burial followed in the Arcola Cemetery in Arcola, Illinois. Pallbearers were: Chris Coffey, Jason Irby, Drew Irby, Angie Coffey, Myron Shonkwiler, Brian Gamble and Jim Lester. Honorary Pallbearer was Carl Ferguson. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, November 01, 2018 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Thursday, November 01, 2018 1:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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