Donald Irwin

Donald Irwin 87, died peacefully, July 27, 2013. Born February 8, 1926 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Don was the third of five children born to George and Virginia Irwin. He grew up primarily in Muncie, Indiana- graduating from Muncie Central High School. Don worked part time at the Shamrock and delivered the Muncie newspaper to help bring in extra money for his family. After high school, Don enlisted in the Navy where he proudly served his country from May 10, 1944 to May 31st of 1946. He was assigned to the USS Wyandot during World War II, and during action in the South Pacific operated both as a navy boat pilot and a "hot shellman on a 5" gun." Don was awarded the American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon w/2 stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/1 star, & World War II Victory Ribbon. His rank was Seaman First Class. Following the War, he attended Ole Miss in Oxford Mississippi, and later transferred to Indiana University where he graduated in June of 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree. At IU, Don was a member of the Phi Kappa fraternity and the Sphinx Club. After graduation he went to work for his beloved International Harvester where he began as a Zone Manager for the Motor Truck Division. His proudest years were as a Fleet Salesman selling International Harvester cabs to the Mayflower moving company for the entire U.S., Canada and Mexico. Most years he was a member of the company's "Triple Diamond Club"- its highest sales award. Don worked for International Harvester for his entire career. While covering his Midwest sales territory, he met and married his beloved wife, Jeanette Groben.Following their wedding in September of 1953, Don and Jeanette settled in her hometown of Mattoon, Illinois, residing at 2400 Western Avenue. Later Don and Jeanette moved to Indianapolis, Indiana- where they raised two children: Johanna and Donald. In 1958, Don became a founding member of the St. Matthew Catholic parish on the northside. Don and Jeanette were active members of the church and their community. Sadly his wife, Jeanette, passed away from cancer in 1972. Don remained in Indianapolis for many years following his retirement from International Harvester, moving to Phoenix in the late 90's to be nearer to his son Don and his family. In his spare time, Don particularly enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. He was an avid reader. Don is survived by his daughter and son: Johanna and Donald and their spouses Albert Will and Min Irwin. His grandchildren: Emily Mago; Donald, Jeremiah, and Abigail Irwin. His great-grandchildren: Andrew, Nathan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Allison and Elijah Irwin. Additional survivors include: Paul and Alice Farmer, Jere Barr, Ruth Irwin, Katie Irwin, Myra Salrin Memorial Mass will be conducted at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Indianapolis at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairbanks Treatment Center in Indianapolis or Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, Arizona. Flanner and Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens handling local arrangements. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan