Dr. John Irvine
April 10, 2004

Dr. John E. Irvine, age 81, 419 So. 22nd, Quincy, died Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 1:50 PM in his home.

He was born September 23, 1922 in Litchfield, Illinois, the son of John Edward and Beulah Marie Thomason Irvine. He married Diane Haight who preceded him in death.

Dr. Irvine was a graduate of Springfield High School and Monroe College of Optometry, graduating first in his class at Monroe College. He practiced optometry for over 50 years at Irvine Optical on Maine Street and in the Empire Building with his son Robert . In his early years he was a lifeguard at Lake Springfield, IL. He served in the Marines in World War II in the Pacific Theater and received 2 Purple Hearts. He maintained several rental properties in Quincy, including the Empire building. He was an active member of Uptown Merchants and the Quincy Landlords Association, where he was president for many years. Dr. Irvine was of the Lutheran faith. He was a former member of the Exchange Club and and the Lions Club. He was an active volunteer and supporter of the YMCA and spent a major part of his youth at the YMCA. He also was an active volunteer and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the Humane Society. Dr.Irvine was a major donor of the Altar Boys' Sacristy at St. Peters Catholic Church. He had a great love for his family and for his ten cats.

Survivors include 3 sons, Robert Irvine, O.D. and his wife Linda, Tim Irvine, and Dr. Shawn M. Irvine, all of Quincy; 3 daughters, Diana Lynn Pigeon, Indianapolis and Kim Tabeling and her husband Richard, Jackonville, Florida and Georgia Warren of Lincoln, IL; 5 grandchildren Summer Pigeon, Bobby Irvine, Taylor Tabeling, Forrest Irvine and Mariah Irvine and his lady companion of 25 years Alice Knight. He was preceded in death by a son Jon-Jon and a sister Virginia.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:30 PM in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Rev. John Adams officiating. Burial in Quincy Memorial Park. Friends invited and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4 to 7 PM. Memorials may be given to the Quincy Humane Society. American Legion Post #37 will conduct full military honors at the cemetery.

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