"Irvins, Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. "
In loving memory of
Melvin L. Irvin
September 18, 2007
Melvin Lee Irvin, one of eight children of Opal (Young) Irvin and Luster Winning Irvin, was born on August 9, 1924 at his parent's farm home south of Strahan, Iowa. He attended school in Strahan for three years until his family moved to Randolph, Iowa where he attended school through the 10th grade. Melvin began doing farm work to help support the family. He also worked at Henry Fields in Shenandoah, Iowa and was a pin setter at the Shenandoah Bowling Alley. While working in Shenandoah, Melvin would often frequent the Sunset Café. There he met a waitress, Fern LuEtta Porter, and fell in love with her Denver sandwiches and eventually fell in love with Fern. The couple married on December 31, 1943 at Hiawatha, Kansas and made their first home in Shenandoah. Melvin continued to work at Henry Fields and the bowling alley and Fern and her sister Ruby sang on the KFNF Radio Station on Saturday nights.
In 1945, Melvin and Fern moved to a farm near Strahan, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Lillian Garnet, Michael Lynn, Carolyn Jean, and Lisha Yvonne. Melvin enjoyed farming and working in the garden with Fern. He was an artist with his hands; making him a good machinist, fabricator, and metalist. He would often overhaul combines and other farm equipment for the neighbors. Melvin and Fern enjoyed helping with their children's activities and they both helped one another with the Cub Scouts, serving as Den Master and Den Mother. Melvin was an avid supporter of the Strahan United Methodist Church and would help with remodeling needs. He enjoyed playing cards especially Pitch and Pinochle. He loved pitching horseshoes and won the "Good Horseshoe Pitcher Award" at the Mills County Fair. Melvin was a small plane pilot and a member of the Southwest Iowa Aero Club. He was fascinated with NASA and space flight and kept up with all the events. Visiting the Kennedy Space Center was one of many highlights in his life.
In February of 2005, due to failing health, Fern moved to the Tabor Manor in Tabor, Iowa. She and Melvin had been married 62 years when Fern died on September 18, 2006. Melvin continued to live on their farm near Strahan. On September 13, 2007, Melvin had just moved to the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, Iowa when he passed away on September 18, 2007, exactly one year after Fern's death. He had attained the age of 83 years, 1 month and 9 days. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Opal and Luster Irvin; wife Fern; half sisters Elva Irvin and Ethlyn Degase; brothers Lowell Irvin, Rev. Jerold Irvin, Max Irvin, George Irvin; and sister Doris Hankins.
Melvin is survived by his children, Lillian Irvin of Shenandoah, Iowa; Michael Irvin and wife Debra of Hastings, IA; Carolyn Scobee and husband Darrell of Green City, MO; Lisha Webster and husband David of Council Bluffs, IA; six grandsons, Christopher Irvin and wife Lisa of Pacific Junction, IA, Andrew Irvin of Hastings, IA, Dylan Scobee of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, Brandon Barone stationed in Biloxi, MS with the U.S. Air Force, twins Ian Barone and McKinley Barone of Council Bluffs, IA, and one granddaughter Raygan Scobee of Green City, MO; brothers Lloyd Irvin and wife Shirley of Treynor, IA, Larry Irvin and wife Laurel of Davenport, IA; sisters-in-law Corinne Irvin of Hornick, IA and Patricia Irvin of Lincoln, NE; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Memorials suggested to the Nishna Valley Scholarship Fund or Glen Haven Home.
Tributes
"Dear Lillian, Mike, Carolyn, and Lisha, Sending you lots of love and strength. Know that you are in my heart. Love from your cousin in Colorado Sheri "
"To Lilian, Mike, Lisha, and Carolyn. We are sorry to hear of Melvin's passing. Melvin was an important figure in my life as the two of us spent many hours working together on the farm. He was like an older brother to me. You have our deepest sympaty."