Gene Irwin

Gene Irwin, 56, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2006, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., on Monday, October 30, 2006, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Friends may send the family a condolence message on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gene was born to Vernon and Helen (Howell) Irwin on March 19, 1950 in Columbus, Kansas. He married the love of his life Nancy Blaker on November 8, 1978 in St. Joseph at Riverview Park Christian Church. Gene loved spending time with his family. Gene enjoyed taking his grandchildren on motorcycle rides. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making his children and grandchildren laugh. Gene is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Paul (Christine) Irwin of St. Joseph, Ginger Irwin of St. Joseph, and Jericho Irwin of St. Joseph; step-children, Wanda (Alvin) Calmes of Tupelo, Mississippi and Robert Retz and Jill Rybarczyk of Coloma; grandchildren, Paige and Katlyn Irwin of Coloma, Alex, Matthew, and Aleah Irwin of St. Joseph and Sean, David, Alyssa, and Caisey Calmes of Tupelo, Mississippi; brothers, Ray (Marilyn) Irwin and J.R. (Joan) Irwin of Oklahoma and Eddie Irwin of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents.